I saw this book on a list of books “everyone should read by the time they are…” list. I read the synopsis and thought it sounded interesting. Ian McEwan’s novel made Time magazine’s list for All-Time 100 greatest novels. I wonder if we will agree with Time magazine.
The novel is set pre, during, and after WWII. It is a tale of a misinterpretation of a love affair that leads to the imprisonment of an innocent young man. Lovers are separated and a family torn apart. When Briony realizes her mistakes, can she atone for the wrongful accusation that ruined the lives of two people? Even if she were able to atone would it be enough to right the hurt she caused?
How important is it to us to correct old wrongs? Can an old mistake be righted years after the event? Or is it impossible to take back a mistake as enormous as the one committed in this tale?
I hope you’ve both enjoyed March. In the U.K. it has been a lovely month: lots of sunshine, brilliant daffodils, tree blossom . . . which perhaps means it’s getting cooler in Australia and spring should also be coming to North America. I trust you families are well, ladies: that Benjamin is thriving and your parents are calm and comfortable Nancy. Jay returns at the end of the week.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't finished the book, there are spoilers here, ladies.
There was much to enjoy in “Atonement”: interesting insights into a writer’s mind and terrific if rather horrific descriptions of WW2. However, the recognition at the end that this was a novel written by Briony casts doubt on the whole undertaking. The reader has to question the objectivity of the interpretation of Briony’s character, and thus the presentation of others, when it becomes clear she’s the narrator.
On another level, although it’s interesting to consider whether a reader wants the reality of Robbie’s death in France and Cecelia’s in Balham tube station or the fantasy of a fulfilled romance, I’d rather Mr. McEwan had made that decision for me. Either “Atonement” is a novel or it’s a treatise on how an author writes a novel.
McEwan, then, wants the reader to be aware how much research a novel requires; how difficult it is to create characters, decide their fate; and to write honestly and courageously. But his narrator, Briony does not seem to have achieved either honesty or courage in her long life. She certainly does not belong to the “publish and be damned” school of thought. I’m assuming McEwan gives her vascular dementia as a comment on the reliability of memory. So, is McEwan quite happy for the reader to dismiss the whole plot line and cast as figments of an unreliable narrator’s imagination?
I fear I may have missed the point, ladies. But I felt a good, well-researched story had been spoilt by an author being too clever with the narrative structure. There again, I expect the novel features on many literature degree courses.
So, I enjoyed the novel right up to the last section.
With regard to the question of whether we can atone for past sins: I think the events in this novel suggest not. Again, McEwan fudges the issue. As an author, it’s entirely within his control as to whether love conquers all. But the lovers only “end well” because Briony as a narrator is now “too old, too frightened and too much in love with the shred of life I have remaining” to write an unhappy ending. Is this what McEwan is trying to say: that the truth depends on where you are standing? That there is no definitive answer to any question because we all interpret events from our own perspective? Maybe Briony’s atoned, and maybe she hasn’t.
I’m not sure a novel was the best vehicle for such a discussion. Or rather, I wish the author had found another way to explore these arguments.
Never satisfied am I?
Love to you both
Hello Ladies,
ReplyDeleteHope you’re both well! Sue, wonderful to hear that Jay will be returning soon. Nancy, I hope retirement is still treating you well. March has been cold, full of snow, and not at all a herald of spring. O well. Benjamin is getting big and is already on the move!
I enjoyed our recent novel with a few exceptions. While an unoriginal opinion, I was most disappointed that Robbie and Cecilia died. I guess I’m a sucker for the happily ever after ending. The injustice that Robbie had to endure and the potential life that was denied to them both was terribly disheartening.
I also felt the title does not fit the novel. Briony, Cecilia, and Robbie are the three major characters of our novel and yet only one of them has reason to atone. Cecilia punishes herself, in my opinion, by her devotion to her career. What does she feel the need to atone for by this selfless dedication? Robbie’s enlistment could be considered a type of atonement but we know that is not his true motive. And Briony essentially has a happy easy life. Yes she is guilt ridden but obviously not so much so that she doesn’t attempt to profit from her misdeeds. Her first attempt at publishing her short story could have gained her notoriety and wealth had it succeeded.
Does Briony’s happy ending for Robbie and Cecilia constitute atonement? I don’t believe it does. She tore two people, in love, apart forever. Pretending that they reunite and presumably live happily ever after for a group of readers does not correct that. Let us pretend that one of the two star crossed lovers survived the war. Would either find consolation in Briony’s novel’s ending? I highly doubt it.
Sue, you talk about what the readers want to believe. This is very reminiscent of Life of Pi. Did the reader wish to believe Pi was stuck on a boat with a tiger? Or that he was stuck on a boat with a cannibal? I guess I would like to believe that Cecilia and Robbie reunited. Robbie’s desperate attempt to return to Cecilia is hopelessly romantic. But I unfortunately cannot close my eyes to the truth that Briony cruelly revealed.
As to my own initial questions, how could anyone ever right that type of lie? When an individual is acquitted of a crime in our society, how often does the general public still believe in their guilt? They are “proven” innocent but many will continue to believe they are guilty anyway. I do believe certain wrongs can be corrected but I believe had Briony been able to clear Robbie’s name, he would always have that stigma.
-Katie
Hello Ladies,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for the late comment. I have just arrived back from a road trip to Sydney where we visited Ivars mum and we were lucky enough to see our niece who had a beautiful baby girl on Sunday.
On our way home we came back through the central west of NSW across the New England tablelands and down to the coast, Ivars says we ate our way home !!! It was great.
Katie, how exciting Benjamin is nearly walking, time just seems to slip by so quickly it's so much fun isn't it ?
Now on to Atonement, and I agree with you Katie, who actually atones ? Possibly an alternate title could be 'Thinking about Atoning"
I found the first part of the story quite slow and have to admit skipping bits so I could discover 'the crime'. However I thoroughly enjoyed the next parts, even as you say Sue, they are quite graphic descriptions of war and hardship. It felt to me the chapters were written by different authors or perhaps Mckewan,s literary gymnastics were beyond me.
I really didn't like the character of Briony at any stage through the book and even less after reading the final chapters. For me, I would have enjoyed the whole story without the final chapter. I mean , not only would I still believe the lovers were reunited but, I would have been spared Briony,s soliloquy of excuses as to why she didn't attempt to right her past mistakes.
Can you put right the mistakes of the past ? I certainly hope there is a chance or we are all sunk !!!
Seriously though, in this novel I see no evidence of actual atonement. Briony certainly realises what it may take to try and right her mistake. She writes of Robbie and Cecila's list of demands to clear his name and then we discover she has revealed all in her 'not to be published before I die novel' yet she actually does nothing. Righting past mistakes takes real courage , Briony seems to lack this.
Thanks Katie for this story suggestion I really did enjoy most of it. I will post 'Wild' in the next couple of days. I need to get through the piles of travel laundry first !!
love to you both