This story has so much to discuss! The historical view of the war as seen from both the soldier's and the nurse's perspectives, the prejudices of social class, and the misinterpretation of events from a childish perspective are just a few. The title perfectly describes the cental issue at the heart of the story--seeking forgiveness for wrongdoing, granting forgiveness to those who have wronged us. Great read!

I really, really wanted to love and appreciate this book. It is considered a "modern classic" and while I appreciate classic literature; this cumbersome, wordy novel moves slower than a turtle on Prozac. Too many scenes about nothing in conjunction with pages & pages of meaningless description. There are moments of brilliance but the novel's main action points could have been condensed down to 3 scenes totaling approximately 100 pages. But even that was not enough to make this book the gem that everyone purports it to be. If it is classics that you are looking for try Jane Eyre, Anna Karenina, Wuthering Heights, Pride & Prejudice...etc.

Most of the members of our group found the discussion far more interesting than the experience of reading 'Atonement'. The language and ideas were beautiful and moving, and McEwan nailed the inner life of the 13 year-old drama queen, but the plot points were so plodding (something the author self-parodies at the end) that many members of the group turned off. *Spoiler* We were completely divided by the 'cheat' at the end. The optimists among us were flummoxed, while the realists cheered (especially those who took issue with the 'Life of Pi'). I recommend it, but don't be in a hurry for it to go where it's going: relax and enjoy an extraordinary depiction of the characters' psychological and emotional lives.

I passed up this book several times thinking it may be too "dark" for my tastes. On a whim I picked it up and read the first 10 or so pages. I instantly feel in love with plucky little Briony. This is the story of a young girl who worships her older sister and ultimately destroys their relationship due to a misplaced need to protect her. Can she ever atone for her mistake?

I read this book in one sitting on a long car trip. It is wonderfully written especially the love scene in the library. It was paced so perfectly with just the right amount of tension. (I even hate romance novels yet this was so moving.) It is no wonder Ian McEwan is considered one of best writers in the world today. There are so many ideas to ponder that make for great discussion. Btw, the movie could not hold a candle to the book. Internal narrative does not translate easily to the screen. Kiera Knightly's overacting didn't help either. If she wants to see how to look at her lover over coffee she should watch Celia Johnson in Brief Encounter.

Excellent book - I like it best of all of Ian McEwan's work

Super slow. Ending - horrible. Was "cunt" even a commonly used word in this time period?