Atonement

     Author                     Ian McEwan

     Country                   United Kingdom

     Genre                      Fiction             

     Publication date      2001

     Pages                       371






I vaguely recollect watching the movie but nothing comes close to reading a book cover to cover. And when it's a book that has to its claim an impressive quality of language and an interesting and fairly unique plot; its a treat like none other. Shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2001, 'Atonement' is a great piece of art by Ian McEwan.

Set in 1935, 'Atonement' tells the story of Cecilia, a young, Cambridge educated girl who falls in love with childhood friend, Robbie but her new and strangely vague relationship takes an unexpected turn when Briony, her younger sister accuses Robbie of a crime he has not committed. As a consequence of this, Cecilia and Robbie's lives change forever while Briony, realising her mistake spends the rest of her life trying to atone.

Briony, all of thirteen years old at the start of the book is portrayed as a strong and mature character who spends her time writing and thinking. Ian spends a fair amount of time delving upon Briony's sudden foray into adulthood by virtue of observing some interactions between adults. This delicate stepping up as a result of circumstances is an interesting central theme in the book. Not unrelated to this is the overpowering sense of guilt that Briony harbours as a result of her decisions and how this guilt determines the course of her life.  Robbie and Cecilia's inability to forgive Briony; another poignant theme in the book; is best portrayed by the below quote:

'Of course she was a child on 1935. He had told himself, he and Cecilia had told each other, over and again. Yes, she was just a child. But not every child sends a man to prison with a lie. Not every child is so purposeful and malign, so consistent over time, never wavering, never doubted'

In a snapshot, I would describe 'Atonement' as a well written, articulate book that somehow (without explicitly saying so) urges me to forgive, forget and embrace life's chosen path!

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