Our first selection! Ian McEwan's "Atonement"

I’m really excited about this week’s selection: Ian McEwan’s novel Atonement. I first read this novel a few years ago and recently picked it up again when I saw the feature film based on McEwan’s award-winning novel. Now I’d love to share it with all of you!

Here’s a quick synopsis to get you started:

This is a symphonic novel of love and war, childhood and class, guilt and forgiveness. It is everything that we have come to expect from Ian McEwan.

The novel begins on a hot summer day in 1935 when thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis witnesses a moment's flirtation between her older sister, Cecilia, and Robbie Turner, the son of a servant and Cecilia's childhood friend. But Briony's incomplete grasp of adult motives–together with her precocious literary gifts–brings about a crime that will change all their lives. The novel then follows the crime's repercussions through the chaos and carnage of World War II and into the close of the twentieth century. Atonement engages the reader on every conceivalble level, this really is a genuine masterpiece. Anyone who has read this touching novel will believe me when I say it will break your heart.

Be sure to check out the Ian McEwan “Featured Items” Blog at:

http://ian-mcewan.blogspot.com/

Take a look at the Ian McEwan website as well at:

http://www.ianmcewan.com/

These two online resources contain great information on Ian McEwan himself as well as his many novels.

Ok, so, now head over to your local public library or bookstore, pick up the book and start reading! I really hope everyone enjoys this one as much as I did. I'll meet you all back here to begin the discussion soon!