Echo Falls and Atonement

It is true that I long to hate any book written by a white man, but this might just be my exception. A true romantic classic, Atonement considers the impact a serious lie can have on a multitude of lives, through the words of different narrators. It’s deceivingly clever, with an intricate narrative structure that leaves you guessing. Indeed, the only time I have felt truly manipulated by a novel. Admittedly though, not the first time I have been manipulated by a man from Hampshire.

 I loved to hate Briony, the rather whiney and lying thirteen-year-old who reminded me so much of myself at that age, awkward, nosey, not quite fitting into childhood or the adult world. And I felt genuine grief at the ending of this book, which I won’t reveal here, but if you know, you know, because you probably cried as much as me.

This is a novel about the act of storytelling, of guilt, of love, of sexual rendezvous in libraries in country houses (not very relatable sadly). I don’t think it would be dramatic to say that reading Atonement changed my outlook on the art of the novel form, of what can be achieved through a retrospective and self-deprecating narrative like McEwan’s. The war rips through the heart of family, relationships, dignity, the war scenes are visceral and raw which makes for tough reading. There’s not much in the way of light relief in Atonement, but I’d still consider it a classic summer read, with a hot, sticky and frustrated vibe throughout.

I do love a period drama, and the Atonement film is no exception. Perhaps I wouldn’t love the 2007 film adaptation as much if a key scene wasn’t filmed on our local beach (big up Redcar), but the drama is definitely played out to the perfect level for me. Offering us the infamous Benedict Cumberbatch “bite it” scene *gags*, this film is everything the novel was – sexy, disturbing, with lots of cute rich people scenery.

Heart breaking, repressed and shocking – this book is a genuine gem, a bit of a game changer. Thank you, Ian, for providing us with the goods, and changing my outlook on childhood, writing and atoning for past sins.