Atonement

By: Ian McEwan

Narrated by: Jill Tanner

Length: 14 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

National Book Critics Circle, Fiction, 2003

In Atonement, three children lose their innocence, as the sweltering summer heat bears down on the hottest day in 1935, and their lives are changed forever. Cecilia Tallis is of England's priviledged class; Robbie Turner is the housekeeper's son. In their moment of intimate surrender, they are interrupted by Cecilia's hyperimaginative and scheming 13-year-old sister, Briony. And as chaos consumes the family, Briony commits a crime, the guilt of which she shall carry throughout her life.

©2001 Ian McEwan (P)2003 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

• Book Sense Book of the Year Award Finalist, Adult Fiction, 2003

"A tour de force. Every bit as affecting as it is gripping." (The New York Times)
"Enthralling...With psychological insight and a command of sensual and historical detail, Mr. McEwan creates an absorbing fictional world." (The Wall Street Journal)
"A beautiful and majestic fictional panorama." (The New Yorker)

Wow

Amazing book. Well written with a deep meaning. The characters are incredibly alive and dynamic. The middle of the story was a little too static, but it has its purpose in the long run. A captivating classic that everyone should read. The ending shook me to tears.

Literary Yoga

In each section of Atonement, McEwan stretches the listener's nerves like rubber bands, farther and farther, thinner and thinner, until everything's about to snap. Then he stops, and he relaxes into the next section. only to begin the stretching all over again. The workout is mental of course. But it's also physical; the listener's muscles tighten and relax as the action ebbs and flows. The overall effect is stunning. This is the first great novel of the new millennium!

Fabulous

If you could sum up Atonement in three words, what would they be?

The best book I've read in the past 5 years

What was one of the most memorable moments of Atonement?

The ending is beautiful, and there's just enough of a twist here to put a smile on your face

Have you listened to any of Jill Tanner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

First time I've heared Jill Tanner, I think. She was PERFECT for this book

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book made me neither laugh, nor cry, but it made me smile and despair over and over again.

Most Awful Narrator, like having head mistress giving an endless lecture to a naughty class.

Far too long or perhaps the narrator made it feel thay way. Previous works were far more enjoyable.

Patience Rewarded

This was my first by the author and the start was a little slow for my taste. The story takes place in a very unfamiliar social setting, which can be a rather frustrating to the uninitiated. The writing is beautiful, however, and it was well worth the effort and patience to see it through to the end.

Favorite Book Ever

This is hands down my favorite book ever. I read it when I was 'young' and now I made the ladies of my book club read it and again it shakes me to my heart and soul. Forever the best. ❤️

a literary buffet!

I absolutely love this book, the words, the dialect the tone ALL OF IT! If you're a thesaurus lover like myself, you will too!

Absolutely magnificent!

A masterpiece l! McEwan's phenomenal character development and his ability to deeply understand the world through the other ensure that the reader/listener is gripped. His language is rich, colourful and precise.

Great writing, fun reader

I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style of this book and the reader, as well. Although the plot seems to wander a bit, the masterful prose made every minute enjoyable.

LOVED IT

Decided to finally read the book seeing as I’ve watched the movie about a hundred times and it remains one of my favorites. Can say now the books also a fav!! 10/10 recommend.