Lindsey answers “Is this appropriate for a mature...”

Andrew asked this question about Atonement:

Is this appropriate for a mature 15-year-old? How much sexual content and/or violence is there?

Lindsey By now, you've made your decision. But for anyone reading these answers asking the same question, here are my thoughts.
This depends on your standards.…moreBy now, you've made your decision. But for anyone reading these answers asking the same question, here are my thoughts.
This depends on your standards. I read this book for an upper level university course.
In my opinion, there is one sexually explicit scene. This was explicit to me, but as you can tell by other answers, some people don't agree. It detailed more than just that they had sex, but how. For anyone looking for guidance, I think this should tell you more than other reviews here. I personally found this scene disturbing and skipped over the rest of that chapter (but read a summary online so I didn't miss anything big).
Everyone responds to content differently, and every reader should keep in mind that even "maturity" doesn't mean you have to be okay with explicit content no matter your age. That's personal choice.
There were many uses of f*** in the war chapters.
As for violence, there were some very disturbing images in the battlefield and hospital scenes. (More than just blood... exposed bone, brain, & muscle descriptions).
While this particular content was disturbing to me (and I would not choose to read such content again), McEwan does not include it lightly. The content he includes is there with purpose.
Literarily, I think this is an exquisite piece. If it weren't for the explicit content, I'd be recommending this book to everyone I know.
If you are a parent wanting advice for your child, read it first and see for yourself. If you choose to let your kid read it, check in with them along the way and talk about it.
If you want personal advice, I wouldn't want my kid to read this book, not even as a teen.
If you're reading this for yourself, take stock of how you respond to certain content. Does violence give you nightmares? Pay attention, you don't need to be scarred just because someone said "it wasn't that bad" or "you'll be fine." Graphic content isn't something to play with.(less)

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