Customer Reviews
Words can't do it justice - By: H. Lacroix, 15 Jul 2008 
This is simply what is callled a masterpiece. A word too often used & not often enough deserved.The writing is incredible, so good that you could weep that some people have the talent to create such prose & you don't. At least you can read it which is a blessing indeed.
It is the story of a young girl, too clever by half, somewhat arrogant & presumptuous who misreads a situation, sees too much, understands too little & will ruin three lives, her sister's, that of the young man her sister is in love with, & her own as she has to live with the consequences of her act of betrayal.
Perfection - By: ella, 11 Jul 2008 A very short review simply because you should read the book for yourself - it will not disappoint. Beautifully written, beautiful plot, beautiful characters. McEwan is genius!
Much ado about not much - By: J. Dudman, 24 Apr 2008 
This was the first novel by McEwan that I read. My wife bought it before the film was released & I approached reading it with expectation of a good read from a respected author.
The first part in the country house set the scene well I thought. Did wonder why the note was 'obscene'. Would Robbie reallly have written this in this way? The same effect could have been achieved with a gentler touch & Briony's actions would have been alll the more tragic. It seemed that McEwan had a plot worked out but lacked the skill to piece the story together. For me the second part had alll the technique of a school essay (c+). I finished it, otherwise it would only have rated 1*, but wondered why this is rated so highly. Also watched the film which also felt like a chore.
Will not try McEwan again in a hurry.
Marvelous beginning let down by the rest - By: J. L. Brooks, 22 Apr 2008 
McEwan beautifully evokes the atmosphere, nuances & characters within the setting of a 1930s country house. As the reader you feel yourself being drawn into this world & the stage is set well. It is reminiscent of L.P.Hartley's "The Go-Between" from the early 1950s. However, the rest of the book is a real letdown, as soon as the action leaves the mansionhouse setting - the war scenes have been told numerous times before & add little & the rest is very fragmentary & nowhere near as realized as the first part of the book. (I had the same feeling about the film version which faithfully follows the book.) I feel he should have written a shorter book based entirely around the country house. Having said this, there is enough in the second half to keep you reading to the end.
If you have enjoyed this review, why not buy my own novel on amazon "Freya's Quest" by Julian Lawrence Brooks
The best book I have read so far this year! - By: Michelle and Andrew, 20 Apr 2008 I was asked to read this book for a book group I had just joined. I had never read anything by Ian McEwan before & so was quite eager to read a new author. It did not disappoint - i could not put it down & I have a toddler & was pregnant with my second child (ie not much spare time) The author writes beautifully, very powerful & created amazing imagery with his narrative. An excellent book - one I would happily read again.
