Discover books similar to "Atonement"
Ian McEwan
Atonement
3.9
"Atonement" by Ian McEwan is a compelling and intricately woven novel that explores the power of memory, guilt, and redemption. The story is set in England before, during, and after World War II, and follows the lives of three main characters: Briony Tallis, Cecilia Tallis, and Robbie Turner. The novel begins with a pivotal moment in the life of 13-year-old Briony, a budding writer who misunderstands a moment of intimacy between Cecilia and Robbie, leading her to make a false accusation that changes the course of all their lives forever. The narrative then jumps forward in time, showing the consequences of Briony's actions as Robbie is sent to prison and Cecilia is torn between her love for him and her family's expectations. The novel is divided into three parts, each one exploring the themes of atonement and redemption in different ways. The first part focuses on the events leading up to Briony's accusation, while the second part explores the impact of the accusation on Robbie and Cecilia's lives. The third part takes an unexpected turn, as Briony, now a successful writer, attempts to atone for her mistakes by writing a novel that tells the true story of what happened. McEwan's prose is rich and evocative, bringing to life the lush English countryside and the claustrophobic atmosphere of the Tallis family's estate. The characters are complex and fully realized, with Briony in particular undergoing a profound transformation as she grapples with the weight of her guilt. "Atonement" is a novel that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page. It is a powerful exploration of the consequences of our actions, the nature of memory, and the possibility of redemption. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and beautifully written literature...
List of books similar to "Atonement":
Michael Ondaatje
The English Patient
Like Atonement, The English Patient is a sweeping historical drama that explores the lives of four damaged individuals during World War II. The novel features lush prose, deep character development, and a nuanced exploration of love, guilt, and redemption.
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Donna Tartt
The Secret History
Fans of Atonement's intricate plot and complex characters will enjoy Donna Tartt's debut novel, The Secret History. The story follows a group of classics students at a small college in Vermont who become increasingly obsessed with recreating the rituals of ancient Greek culture, with disastrous consequences.
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Kazuo Ishiguro
Never Let Me Go
Like Atonement, Never Let Me Go is a haunting exploration of memory, identity, and the consequences of our actions. The novel is set in a dystopian near-future where human clones are created for organ donation, and follows the lives of three clones as they come to terms with their own mortality.
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Barbara Kingsolver
The Poisonwood Bible
Atonement fans who enjoy richly drawn settings and complex family dynamics will appreciate Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible. The novel follows the lives of an evangelical Baptist family from Georgia who move to the Belgian Congo in 1959, and the consequences of their actions as they become embroiled in the country's struggle for independence.
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Kazuo Ishiguro
The Remains of the Day
Fans of Atonement's exploration of class, power, and the consequences of our actions will find much to admire in Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day. The novel follows the story of a butler named Stevens who reflects on his life and career in service to a wealthy British family in the years leading up to World War II.
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Michael Cunningham
The Hours
Like Atonement, The Hours explores the lives of three women connected by Virginia Woolf's novel Mrs. Dalloway. The novel examines themes of identity, mental illness, and the role of art in our lives, and features lyrical prose and deep character development.
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Alan Hollinghurst
The Line of Beauty
Fans of Atonement's exploration of class and social norms will appreciate Alan Hollinghurst's The Line of Beauty. The novel follows the story of a young gay man named Nick who becomes involved with a wealthy and influential family in 1980s London, and examines themes of desire, ambition, and the changing social landscape of the era.
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Margaret Atwood
The Blind Assassin
Atonement fans who enjoy intricate plotting and unreliable narrators will appreciate Margaret Atwood's The Blind Assassin. The novel follows the story of two sisters, one of whom is a novelist, as they navigate a complex web of family secrets, political intrigue, and science fiction.
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F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby
Atonement fans who enjoy novels that explore the dark underbelly of the upper classes will appreciate F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. The novel follows the story of a young midwesterner named Nick who becomes embroiled in the glamorous and morally ambiguous world of his wealthy neighbor, Jay Gatsby.
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Edith Wharton
House of Mirth
Fans of Atonement's exploration of class and social norms will appreciate Edith Wharton's House of Mirth. The novel follows the story of Lily Bart, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who navigates the treacherous waters of New York high society in the early 20th century, and examines themes of ambition, love, and the corrupting influence of wealth.
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