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Original poster

Atonement

17 replies

roseability · 23/02/2008 21:43

Has anyone else read this book and been deeply affected by it? I am obsessed with it and can't stop thinking about Robbie and Cecilia and how tragic their love is! I know, I know, it is just a book and I need to get a life! The description of their love making in the library is magnificent. Sigh

OP posts:
jajas · 23/02/2008 21:46

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jajas · 23/02/2008 21:54

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Original poster
roseability · 23/02/2008 21:56

Yes I have seen the film, twice! Whilst I think it does the book justice, nothing can capture the wonderful literature. I thought James Mcavoy was very good as Robbie

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scottishmummy · 23/02/2008 21:56

hated atonement, bought it hardback when it came out. found it turgid, didn't care for the characters.actually don't like McEwan literature

Original poster
roseability · 23/02/2008 22:00

I am considering reading On Chesil Beach, but suspect I will be disappointed after Atonement. Birdsong was one of the first books my DH bought me when we were at Uni. I can't remember it all that well, so must dig it out of the bookshelf! Haven't read The Secret History, must look it up.

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Original poster
roseability · 23/02/2008 22:02

I must admit, Briony Tallis is very dislikeable and I had little sympathy for her. What books affect you scottishmummy?

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HighlandFling · 23/02/2008 22:10

Atonement was very good, the book was much better than the film.

Villette by Charlotte Bronte - now THERE is a book to tug at your heart strings - unrequited love, beautiful setting, great characters, heartbreak, loneliness, pain, love, dusty attics, ghosts, pear trees...

mm22bys · 14/08/2008 18:00

I have just finished Atonement, and loved it. I saw the movie a while back.

Have started On Chesil Beach, pretty good so far.

I read the Secret History but didn't really get it.

I loved Birdsong, and Possession.

TwoIfBySea · 15/08/2008 19:35

I'll be watching the film tonight so fingers crossed it is as good as the book.

I can usually see the twist coming a mile off but this one was so well done, so unexpected.

hollyandnoah · 15/08/2008 19:39

i've not read the book before, but the film was soo good!

boogiewoogie · 17/08/2008 16:47

Do not read "On Chesil beach". You will be disappointed with it after reading "Atonement". I had very high expectations and although it was a bit of a page turner, I felt very cheated at the end. I won't spoil it for you mm2boys.

Remotew · 17/08/2008 16:51

I haven't read the book but loved the film especially the library scene.

Badgermoose · 18/08/2008 11:27

On Chesil beach a much quicker read, but dare I say it - I liked it better. I just engaged more with the characters. Atonement was OK but have to say didn't really grab me, though did read it immediately post-natally so concentration not what it might have been.

claudiaschiffer · 18/08/2008 11:57

oo I totally love Ian McEwen, he is my absolute favourite contemporary writer and Atonement currently sitting on my bedside table waiting to be read (once I've finished Eat, Pray, Love). I saw the movie and just adored it, anything with WW2, Love, Country houses, death, suffering etc etc just gets me all blubby, so can't wait to read it.

I liked 'On Chesil Beach' but remember it is really a short story/novella so it is rather different than a full scale meaty novel. V. interesting tho. Also loved Saturday, fascinating.

But then I am totally in love with his writing, so am probably a bit biased. McEwen writes so beautifully imo, some of his sentences are so lovely. Just such a pleasure to read - not just the story/plot but the writing itself is fab.

chickenmama · 24/08/2008 13:54

hi rose, hope u don't mine me posting on here, i saw ur post about attachment parenting on another thread and wanted to reply, but somewhere u'd actually notice (that other thread is long!)... i haven't followed any books but have been raising my daughter in a very natural attachment kind of way these last two yrs (i didn't plan it this way, it just kind of happened!)... wanted to give u my email in case u wanted to get in touch... chickenmama at hotmail . co .uk

cq · 24/08/2008 14:03

Have to agree that Atonement was a fantastic book. Missed it at the cinema and am a bit reluctant to watch it on dvd - do you think the cinematography will work on a small screen?

But Birdsong is just the best book I have EVER read. It still haunts me and I must have read it about 5 years ago now. In fact, I must buy another copy and read it again - I lent it to someone.

Best book I've read lately is Wife in the North - it's an easy read, funny and sad by turn and I can SO identify with it as a wife who has been dragged around the world as DP's job moves him. Highly recommend it. And it's in small bite size chunks so easy to snatch a quick fix in the summer holidays before 'MU-UM....' (How do they manage to stretch that to 4 syllables?)

cq · 24/08/2008 14:05

Oh, and On Chesil Beach was a bit diappointing. I read it too fast, kept thinking 'just bloody talk to him', and then was disappointed by the ending.

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