I only finished one book in September, but I’ve reached my goal of 80 books this year (even though my not-so-secret secret goal is 100) so I’m not complaining.
Next trimester I have to read a bunch of children’s books, which I’m really looking forward to. It’ll be interesting to study what makes one a good one. And the children’s books vary; we have Matilda by Roald Dahl, but we also have some picture books such as Lost Thing by Shaun Tan.
But for now, let’s review all the books of September, which is to say, Atonement by Ian McEwan.
Atonement by Ian McEwan
In some aspects this was better than I was expecting, but in others it let me down.
I liked the writing style immensely, and because of this I read it quite quickly and didn’t want to stop reading despite the plot. The plot didn’t do much for me, although I did appreciate the tragedy surrounding it, and the guilt that plagues Briony. (Basically, Briony makes something up which results in someone innocent getting arrested and her older sister cutting all ties with her family. The first third of the story focuses on the days surrounding the lie, the second third focuses on the innocent man as he goes to war, and the third part surrounds Briony as an older woman plagued with guilt.)
I equally loved and hated how the story panned out; the nature of the truth and the twist at the end were disturbing but effective in storytelling.
I don’t know that I’d read this again, and I don’t think I’m glad I’ve read it, but I have and that’s that.
My rating: 3/5 stars
Sarah xx
the softest words 