Atonement Report 1

Atonement is a fictional novel written by a British novelist Ian McEwan. The book was published in 2005. This novel is set in England during the 1930s and 1940s and revolves around the lives of three min characters: Briony Tallis, her older sister Cecilia, and their childhood friend, Robbie Turner.

The language of this novel vividly captures the characters’ thoughts, emotions, and motivations. The author uses a variety of literary devices, such as metaphors, similes, and symbolism, to create a complex narrative. *hopefully, it will be helpful for the exam =)

I should mention the atmosphere with which the story is saturated. The story delves into themes of guilt and redemption, that’s why it’s quite dark and disturbing. The novels setting in the years leading up to World War II also adds to the tense and ominous mood.

In the beginning of the novel the reader gets acquainted with Briony Tallis. She has a complex character. The girl is an aspiring writer, and her love for storytelling and imaginative nature play a significant role in the story. Cecilia Tallis, Briony’s older sister, is a confident and independent young woman. There’s one more character, Robbie Turner, who is the friend of Tallis family and, also, their housekeeper. He’s bright and ambitious.

Frankly speaking, it is the movie that made me read the book. I watch the screen version of Atonement about 4 years ago, and I remember that it made a lasting impression on me. I don’t happen to remember all the details of the story, and that’s why I would like to dive deeper into the story and get to know the characters better. Also, this is a story about love (spoiler! though a tragic one), and in spring I’m always longing for something romantic and beautiful.

I will provide a short paragraph from the book, just to show the language and the metaphors the author uses:

In a generally pleasant and well-protected life, she had never really confronted anyone before. Now she saw: it was like diving into the swimming pool in early June; you simply had to make yourself do it. As she squeezed out of the high chair and walked over to where her cousin stood her heart thudded inconveniently and her breath was short.

Actually, there is no much to say about the begging of the novel. I introduced the characters, told you about the language of the book, and I hope to find some powerful quotes in the next chapters.

Thank you for your attention!