The British author Ian McEwan is able to describe moments, moods and psychological relationships with magical precision. Even very young people emerge as real actors in his books. Yet, because of their lack of life experience, children cannot see the consequences of their actions. When a child gives false testimony and the sentences fall, the consequences can be dire. The events of history can further multiply injustice caused. Is atonement possible?
Personally, I also read this novel as an example how storytelling may let us experience a possibility of a more merciful outcome in life. Our lives are full of tragedy, sometimes so painful that we are only able to see the tip of the iceberg, a fact that is once again masterly unfolded by Ian McEwan.
In time, the novel covers events from the 1930s to the present day. The film based on the novel manages utterly well to convey the atmosphere and human destinies of the book.
Ian McEwan. Atonement. 2001.
Photo by Ian Keefe
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