“... writing stories not only involved secrecy, it also gave her all the pleasures of miniaturization. A world could be made in five pages, and one that was more pleasing than a model farm. The childhood of a spoiled prince could be framed within half a page, a moonlit dash through sleepy villages was one rhythmically emphatic sentences, falling in love could be achieved in a single word - a glance. The pagea of a recently finished story seemed to vibrate in her hand with all the life they contained.” (Page 7)
I chose this part just because it is incrediblely beautiful. Once I read it I could not forget about it. It's always in my mind whenever I open this book.
Unlike Northanger Abbey, which I read first and watched the movie after, I happened to watch the adapted film Atonement over this summer. Thus, I had a pretty different reading experience of this book.
Since I know the plot already, it takes away a great deal of pleasure and excitement of following along the story. However, it also gives me two feelings about Briony. In the movie, I disliked her very much; but I found her likable in the book. Somehow, especially after reading her thoughts and perspectives about reading and writing, I felt that I could connect with her. I guess the first person point of view in the book creates an emotional bond and a sense of intamicy.
I am also impressed by Ian McEwan. His language is often surprising, accurate, and beautiful. Reading this book, I sometimes feel as if I am reading poems, sometimes feel that I am watching a film - but his narration is also excellent. I wonder how he does that.
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