First, I want to confess that the actual edition I have (and read) and the one I listed for review are different. Mine is the 351 pages paperback, 2003 edition, published by Anchorbook, ISBN 9780307387158. I'd like to correct that but that would mean losing my reading progress note. It's annoying, so I just let it be. 
 Now, on to the review. 
 Atonement might be one of the most heartbreaking novel I've read so far. Yes, it's about war. Yes, it's about two separated lovers. Sadness is expected. But I never expected that the sadness could be this painful, a throbbing ache that made me clutched my chest and sobbed. I whispered repeatedly throughout the story, "Oh, no, please, no, have some pity, no," but I figured Ian McEwan, unlike me, had the heart of steel to write it this way. At some point I just literally curled up and cried. 
 On a summer day in 1935, a thirteen year old aspiring writer Briony Tallis witnessed a moment's flirtation between her older sister Cecilia and Robbie Turner, a son of their charlady. Through a series of childish curiosity, wild imagination, and needs to be considered 'important', Briony misinterpreted this little budding romance between Cecilia and Robbie as something sinister. In the end, Briony's suspicion would be the most important force that drove the lovers and families away from each other. Years later, when Briony grew up and understood the truth behind her wrongful suspicion, in what ways could she repent? 
 It's such a vivid, painful experience to read a little misunderstanding snowballed into tragedies. I want to hate Briony but I understood how she came into wrong conclusion. I want to pity Briony but I agreed that her suspicion had escalated into a crime that couldn't easily be forgiven. I feel for Cee and Robbie, how easily their future could be different, how easy for them to find happiness if only...oh, if only! If Ian McEwan's intention in writing this is to break heart of millions and millions of readers, I want to congratulate him because he has achieved that successfully. 
 Also the War. seen from the perspective of Robbie as one of the British soldier in Dunkirk, and Briony as the nurse for British army. Well written, maybe one of the best I've read so far. The hipocrisy of war, the conflicting needs for self preservation and altruism, hope and despair, love and hate...it's so touching. So human. 
 And honorary mention to my dearly beloved favourite character, Luc Cornet. 
 Luc! 
 Oh, Luc! 
 Now I want to watch the movie. Alone, in case I break down and melt into a puddle of tears. 
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