Atonement

auscatherine · Post by **auscatherine** » 18 Sep 2009, 23:14

I am just re-reading this as I have joined a bookclub at the local library and this is the next book to be discussed. I thought I had better re-read it after having a glance at the discussion questions and realising I couldn't even remember what the characters were called. It is a very good, albeit uncomfortable read. Reminds me a bit of LP Hartley's The Go Between (which I studied at school). Has anyone else read it? I would love to see the film sometime too. I think Keira Knightley plays Cecilia.

Ming · Post by **Ming** » 19 Sep 2009, 05:00

I haven't read the book, couldn't find it anywhere. I saw the movie, though; Keira Knightley does indeed play Cecilia, with Saorse Ronan in the part of Briony and James McAvoy as Robbie Turner.

Eddie Muir · Post by **Eddie Muir** » 19 Sep 2009, 09:29

Atonement was my introduction to Ian McEwan about six years ago and since then I have read everything by him. He is a superb writer and the 2007 film version of Atonement is first-class. You're right, Ming, it stars Keira Knightley as Cecilia Tallis and James McAvoy as Robbie Turner.

Parts of the book also remind me of L.P. Hartley's brilliant novel, The Go-Between, Catherine. You may recall that this was made into a superb film in 1970 with Alan Bates and Julie Christie playing the parts of Ted Burgess and Lady Marian Trimingham.

Fiona1986 · Post by **Fiona1986** » 19 Sep 2009, 10:36

I've also seen the film but not read the book.

I loved the film, and spent a geat deal of it wishing MY nursing uniform had a red cape I could dramatically throw over my shoulders on entering a building!

auscatherine · Post by **auscatherine** » 23 Sep 2009, 04:56

Which other of his books would you recommend, Eddie? I started another one of his (I can't remember the title of it but it was about a couple who had lost a child) and just couldn't continue with it. A lot of that was the subject matter rather than the writing though.

Re the nurses capes, we still ahd those in Australia in the 70s. I only know that because my parents took film footage of my younger brother coming home from hospital as a baby in 1970 adn the nurse is wearing one of those capes as well as a funny hat.

Eddie Muir · Post by **Eddie Muir** » 23 Sep 2009, 08:33

I think all of Ian McEwan's books are worth reading, Catherine, but I would particularly recommend Enduring Love, The Innocent, The Comfort of Strangers, On Chesil Beach and Amsterdam. His collections of short stories are also very good. The novel you had a problem with was The Child in Time and I must admit this is my least favourite of all his books. The writing is good but, like you, I found the subject matter rather harrowing.

Ming · Post by **Ming** » 25 Sep 2009, 14:30

I picked up Atonement last night for Rs 200, and I am looking forward to reading it! Will add my thoughts on it later.

auscatherine · Post by **auscatherine** » 26 Sep 2009, 00:24

Great, Ming! My first bookclub meeting (where we will discuss Atonement) is in just over an hour's time. I am quite excited.

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