Publisher: Vintage; New edition (2 May 2002) Source: Library Paperback: 384 pages
Rating;
"The anticipation and dread he felt at seeing her was also a kind of sensual pleasure, and surrounding it, like an embrace, was a general elation--it might hurt, it was horribly inconvenient, no good might come of it, but he had found out for himself what it was to be in love, and it thrilled him."
"I've never had a moment's doubt. I love you. I believe in you completely. You are my dearest one. My reason for life. Cee"
My Thoughts – I came across this book by chance a few days back. Truthfully, why did I get it? I’m kind of ashamed to say, you know when you have like 5 minutes to choose a book? Well, I was in the Library and I had to be some place quick, so I panicked and thought I have to get one book before I go at least: then I noticed Atonement. I had only heard of it through the movie which supposedly was supposed to be fantastic and hey, everyone knows the books are always better. So I thought it has to be decent, plus it had caught my eye somehow last time I was in the Library, so I decided, why not?
The book starts of where Briony is getting ready for her play - Annabelle. Since it’s in her perspective for quite a while we get an instant feel for her character. I was a bit weary at first, this was not what I had hoped for, and as the book went along and the characters were introduced what I had in mind was: what have I gotten into myself into?
The writing style was completely different from what I was used to and he was using all these big words and it came to the point where I was seriously thinking, can I really be bothered? Sure I'll get through the book, but I know it would be one of those where I would have to really concentrate because not paying attention to one line could make me miss out on something major which kind of annoyed me since I’m so used to reading through my books at a fast clear pace.
The perspective then switched to Cecelia and I found myself actually interested. Her story I could actually relate to rather than some 13 year old with a big imagination who just seemed like a spoilt brat. The only thing that thankfully didn’t make me block Briony completely out was the almost dramatic synopsis: how something she does affects the three of them and leads her to regret for many years to come. That made me think, well then, there has to be more to this girl than meets the eye? Boy was I right. It was constantly in the back of my head nagging at me, and as I got deeper into the novel I started to feel that something about this girl wasn't right.
After we see the development of Cecelia and Robbie’s relationship linking in with how Briony always seems to be there, I got suspicious thinking what is this girl’s deal? Is her whole objective in life to piss of her older sister and ruin her life? Having a younger brother I could totally sympathise with Cecelia, but even then she just went too far, for example: When Briony caught them in the Library. I do not believe Briony was this clueless little girl, I think she knew exactly what she was doing, and I feel, yes, she in her own little school girl way did feel for Robbie, and that’s why she was always trying to catch them out, not to protect her sister.
The novel had it's fast paced and slow paced moments to be fair which is why it took me two days to finish instead of mere hours because I would quickly lose focus. Overall it lags in the beginning, but if you are willing to be patient it will be completely worth it. The author did an incredible job with The Atonement and it wasn't before long that I become completely invested in the book. The ending probably holds the biggest twist I have read to date, if anything, the twist alone is worth reading this book. The emotional reaction this book got from me was probably the biggest surprise. It stayed with me for days which was when I really realised how fantastic this book really is.
"That love which does not build a foundation on good sense is doomed."
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