Atonement
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I HATED this movie is the book worth reading?
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Anna
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rated it 5 stars
Jan 13, 2013 12:38PM
I thought the book was great,in fact, brilliantly written in my opinion although in the beginning, it was a bit slow and difficult to sort out what was going on. The movie would have been confusing for me, without having read the book. I thought the movie was better than most movies I have seen that were based on books I have read. Most are a dismal disappointment, and don't do the book justice at all, which is why I have yet to see Life of Pi...
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I have not read the book, but I hated the film. Someone told me to read the book anyway because you know from the outset who is going to die and thus don't feel manipulated by the ending. So if it's the film's twisted end that made you hate it, maybe you would enjoy the book.
I didn't like the book the first time I read it, but re-read it a few years later for a course I was doing and found I appreciated the nuances more. I don't really like books with sex scenes, though in this case it was crucial to the story. Also don't really like lots of f-words, but again it fit with that part of the story. However, in spite of some of my reservations about this book, it has one of the best twists I've ever read in any book. The ending doesn't provide much hope though.
Just had this book for book club. Answer to "is the book better" NO!! Two of us could not even finish the book. It drones on endlessly with very little dialog. I gave this one star and if I could do worse I would have.
I truly give credit to anyone who was able to wade through this book. Just as an example, the author goes on endlessly about Briony and her play. This lasts interminably. The movie totally dismisses the whole play scenario, which I found to be a good thing. The insights into Briony are clear after just a very few pages. Privileged, self-serving and thoughtless right up until the end of the book. Yes, I did read the last few chapters when I could no longer tolerate the endless diatribe. She remained the same thoughtless human being throughout her life, even to the end unable to tell the truth because it wouldn't play well in her book. It would be wrong of me to say the writing was not good. Obviously, the author had no problem raising my distaste for his protagnist. His writing was great at achieving that feeling.
No, I will not give it another try. In my opinion, it would just be a waste of my time when there are so many other wonderful books to read.
Just a sub-note. Did you know that the movie either was nominated for or won multiple acadamy awards. It wasn't one of my favorites either.
I'm not a fan of either the movie or the novel.I am English and find McEwan typical of a certain kind of upper middle class male author who write about the kind of character that exist only in their imagination. If his characters are 'old money' then, for him, they are already fundamentally flawed. He is too hung up on class, and while at times, his writing is beautiful, I wouldn't rush to read another of his novels.
I judge an author by whether or not I carry the story, a scene, a nuance with me. I certainly did with Atonement -- both the book and movie. The dilemma is a fierce one; the simple details in the movie such as the green dress are memorable. They continue to influence me.
This comment may be very telling. "What green dress?"
Joyce wrote: "This comment may be very telling. "What green dress?""The one she wears in the movie at the final dinner party.
I have not seen the movie but would not expect it to be "true" to the book. After all, there is only so much that can be done in 2 hours. I did not like the book because I just detested Briony. If I do not like the main character, I find it hard to like a book, regardless of whether it is well-written or not. I also read Saturday, which I liked a bit better, and because I like the premise of Sweet Tooth, I have it on my TBR list. However, Ian McEwan is not an favorite author whose books I eagerly await. I read through the comments on this string and it would appear that his writing elicits extreme reactions!
I liked the book, better than the movie maybe, but felt very very cheated by the end. What is this, post-modernism? A fake story within a story. You find out at the end that what you have been reading never happened? What kind of a "Atonement" is that?
Personally, I couldn't stand the book. Sadly, once I start a book I must finish it; however, this one I almost didn't finish. The book droned on and on with very little dialogue. It's not too often that I can say this, but I found the movie much more enjoyable.
I saw the movie before I read the book too, and I think without having seen the movie I wouldn't have understood the ending. I think the book is worth a try. I think the narrator is a little more forgivable in the book than the movie.
The book is half decent. and its interesting in terms of the way its written. The film WAS terrible.
I preferred the book by far, as I am afraid is often the case. Script writers have a hard job to 'act out' the same drama that a book unfolds in a reader's mind.
Definitely WORTH READING!
My God I hated that book! Really wanted to give up but my son insisted it got better. I battled with it until the bitter end. I still prefer the film even though I hate Kiera Knightly!
Fran wrote: "My God I hated that book! Really wanted to give up but my son insisted it got better. I battled with it until the bitter end. I still prefer the film even though I hate Kiera Knightly!"I'm so sorry Fran. Your son lied to you. THAT BOOK NEVER GOT BETTER. (lol)
Joyce wrote: "Fran wrote: "My God I hated that book! Really wanted to give up but my son insisted it got better. I battled with it until the bitter end. I still prefer the film even though I hate Kiera Knightly!..."That's OK Joyce - he's officially out of my will. From now on I make my own decisions! I hate not being able to finish a book, though. But sometimes you just have no choice!
Interesting comments from everyone. I enjoyed the book better than the movie. For me, Ian McEwan is an amazing writer with a talent for developing characters and intricate plots. I agree with Grace.
I seriously enjoyed reading "Atonement." I read it over a weekend and I could not put it down. Ian McEwan's writing is so beautiful and poetic. I loved how McEwan described each scene in clever details as if to connect you with the scent in the air or scenery around. As a whole, the entire book created a picture in my head that the movie could not compare to. The characters revealed themselves as redeemable and human as they worked out their inner conflicts in their familial relationships or otherwise. It was a different time period where young ladies of society do not get involved with the son of a servant. Also where younger relatives who perhaps look up to the older more feminine ones still trespass on issues of trust. It was a beautiful story of love, regret and choices that haunt you.
The movie is very different from the book - I think the book is worth reading although if you hated the movie because it was rather depressing then the book is more so and you're probably better off not reading it.
The book is always the best to read, don't you think?
Not a big fan of either the movie or the book. Both a bit overrated in my opinion. The movie had some nice moments, as did the book. But overall I found it not quite engaging enough to keep my attention. File under: Gets More Attention Than It Deserves.
Okay. We can agree to disagree. I respect your review. There is a book you must read that will become a movie but I hope you read the book first-Try this: Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. Now that was awesome.Rules of Civility I highly recommend this book. It is better than Atonement and although we disagree on the likeability of Atonement, I urge you to try Rules of Civility. You might really like it.
Honestly, I HATED the book. Really disliked the movie, but will say that the movie was better. That isn't saying much, but it was better.
Hooray Navah. I must have hated it more than you. I only gave it one star and was looking for a negative number.As for Caroline. I was giving serious thought to reading Rules of Civility. However, if you thought that Atonement was even remotely good, there is no way I'm going near "Rules."
Wow. That was harsh and unnecessary. It's your loss though. Go check out other reviews of Rules of Civilty if you don't care for my opinion. Everyone I recommended it to loved it and used it for book groups, library book groups-read Amazon, NYTimes put it as # 17 on their best seller list-check out what GoodReads has to say. I don't think GoodReads is the place to be unkind though but it's more a reflection on you then me so I hope you find something you enjoy reading and are able to state some constructive criticism about it.
I read the book (by listening to it on CD in the car on my 2 hour a day commute to work) and I really liked it. I normally do not read literary books, but Ian McEwan writes so beautifully, even I appreciated it. The ending is so hauntingly tragic that I thought about it for weeks and then I decided to rent the movie to share with my husband. I didn't care for the movie though (and neither did my husband). The movie just did not have the same emotional effect as the book. Also, many details were changed, especially Robbie's experiences in the war. I liked the book Atonement so much, I tried another Ian McEwan book called Solar, which is a dark comedy. I would recommend both books.
I tried twice and couldn't manage to make it through this book. Didn't care much for the movie either...
I have to agree with those who didn't like the movie but thought the book was a good read. I felt the book gave a better representation of the characters and the nuances of their ages.
This is hard to answer. The book is on my top ten list mostly because of the writing, not so much the plot. The writing includes a number of techniques, such as stream of consciousness and intertextuality. From an academic point of view, it's brilliant. Part II, which covers Robbie's experiences at Dunkirk, for me was particularly haunting. I think if you hated the movie, chances are you won't like the book. You should try another McEwan such as The Cement Garden or Enduring Love. He's worth reading.
Kathy wrote: "This is hard to answer. The book is on my top ten list mostly because of the writing, not so much the plot. The writing includes a number of techniques, such as stream of consciousness and intertex..."
Good comment Kathy. For me this gets to the core of this discussion. I don't particularly like McEwan's books, basically for the reasons you express above. What are "good points" to you are irritations for me! His writing style always seems a bit "self satisfied" and it makes me feel a bit patronised. This is also not one of the easiest of his books to read. But, putting personal prejudices aside, I have got to admire (not like) his writing, so I pick up his books now and again and always find them worth reading.
Good comment Kathy. For me this gets to the core of this discussion. I don't particularly like McEwan's books, basically for the reasons you express above. What are "good points" to you are irritations for me! His writing style always seems a bit "self satisfied" and it makes me feel a bit patronised. This is also not one of the easiest of his books to read. But, putting personal prejudices aside, I have got to admire (not like) his writing, so I pick up his books now and again and always find them worth reading.
I'm sorry Caroline. It was not meant to be harsh. Atonement was a 5 star read by many. And the only reason I was going to read 'Rules" was because it had received such a high rating and really sounded interesting. Please try to understand. I left a comment previously telling why I did not like Atonement. If "Rules" is written anything like Atonement, with endless description (and I do mean endless) with little interaction between the characters, I just am not interested. I prefer to be pulled into the book, Atonement just did not do it for me. I found it an irritant. My book club just celebrated their 100th book. We have read some wonderful books, some "beach" books and some real clinkers. Our discussions are lively as seldom does everyone agree. Our latest book, "Glow" brought on such a discussion. What it comes down to is simply a matter of opinion.
Okay, Thank you very much. I understand much better now. I hope you try "Rules Of Civilty." It was truly very good. Be well and happy reading. :-)
If you hated the movie, then you may not like the book. I loved the movie and the book, but I will say this: usually if I've seen a movie, I can't get myself to read the book afterwards (I prefer reading book first, then movie); HOWEVER, this is the only book that I 110% thoroughly enjoyed reading even though I already knew the story. His writing is remarkable, and worth experiencing.
Andy wrote: "Kathy wrote: "This is hard to answer. The book is on my top ten list mostly because of the writing, not so much the plot. The writing includes a number of techniques, such as stream of consciousnes..."Andy, the most telling part of your comment is that you "pick up his books now and again and always find them worth reading" :) Some readers have suggested that they will never read another McEwan. That is a mistake IMO; his books are all so different. I have not read all his books but so far there are only two I did not really enjoy: Amsterdam and On Chesil Beach.
What an interesting and clearly divergent expression of opinions.
See, for me, the story was great, The writing was subpar, and the execution was horrid. I just do not like Ian McEwan. And we're not talking an "I do not like green eggs and Ham" kinda I don't like. I don't like him like this is the second of his books that I've slogged through, (Stupid %@#(*%(# book club), but I did it, and I'm just saying, I don't get all the hype. Yes the story between Robbie and Cee is tragic and beautiful. Focusing on that would have been good. But he focuses on Briony for, what at least felt like more that half of the novel, and Briony's perceptions. Well, do me a favor and someone beat the crap out of the brat and have done with. Plus she is a control freak. That is really why she goes back to stories, and that is spelled out beautifully for all to see. I really dislike this writer, and every one of his works that I've read. His stories are always tragic, and I haven't found one that was even remotely worth it. Just saying.
Didn't like the movie (I thought it was well made and acted) so I can tell if "HATE" is the feeling we share. I thought the book was beautiful, perverse, dense and introspective and that was the whole point of it.One of the constant magics of literature is that it has some powers that never, never translate well to the screen and have to do with language, imagination and time (spend reading, spend in the "inside" of the story).
Reading is active and takes time, even rereading, while watching a movie is passive and it never takes more than two or three hours.
Caroline wrote: "I seriously enjoyed reading "Atonement." I read it over a weekend and I could not put it down. Ian McEwan's writing is so beautiful and poetic. I loved how McEwan described each scene in clever det..."I SOOOOOOOOOO AGREE WITH YOU Caroline, Ian McEwan's Atonement is definitely beautiful and poetic. McEwans's characters do reveal themselves as redeemable and human as they work out their inner conflicts in their familial relationships or otherwise. Despite the fact that most people commenting on this topic clearly dislike the book and the movie I still recommend the book for all to read.
Grace wrote: "Caroline wrote: "I seriously enjoyed reading "Atonement." I read it over a weekend and I could not put it down. Ian McEwan's writing is so beautiful and poetic. I loved how McEwan described each sc..."And definitely gonna read Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
As some others have commented, although the film follows the plot of the book with striking fidelity, it can't capture the book's focus. Personally, I liked the film, and thought it did a good job of using the camera to communicate the importance of perspective, the atmospheres which McEwan's prose evokes so vividly, and the isolation which each of the protagonists feels. But the book is, perhaps primarily, about the power of language, and the power it confers on individuals. Briony's fascination with language, Robbie and Cecilia's letters (from the first, fateful note on), the depositions for the police, the marriage vows of Lola... I think McEwan presents language as a conduit and creator of character, even a conduit and creator of fate. A film just can't do that.
Well, as a fan of his writing, I seem to find myself in a minority. I liked the movie, but I must admit that the book holds many more nooks and crooks for the reader to enjoy. I loved the structure of the novel more precisely, the way all returns to the one moment. So, yes, please give it a shot. He is Ne of the foremost authors of our century that manages to cross genre between literary fiction to commercial fiction with an ease that is enviable. I loved the book.
No, if you hated the movie you won't like the book either.
Yes!! This book is why writing was invented! Ian McEwan is exploring the importance of story, memory, and perception in our lives. Reality/perception. What is "real"? Who tells the story, what they remember and what they choose to forget, what they see and what others see. The book is heartbreaking and exhilerating at the same time. How he manages such a feat in such a modest book is incredible.
I also was deeply disappointed by the movie.
deleted user wrote: "I hadn't realized it was a book or I would've read it first. "I loved the film and the book. I thought the film was slightly better than the book though.
I read the book first and loved it. Then I saw the movie, and didn't care for it at all. The quality of the writing is what made the book so engaging to me. I have a grand appreciation for the author.
I loved the book and the film. McEwan shows great skill in getting into his characters' psyche and I thought that the film managed to capture that, too.
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