I took the opportunity of “COVID-19 shelter in place” to re-read a favorite book that I was feeling called towards again:

Atonement: A Novel by Ian McEwan

I first read this book in a grad school class, “modern 20th century literature.” I loved that class!! And this book was my favorite of the class. I remember exactly where I was sitting when I finished this book – with my jaw dropped!

Time and experience make for a different experience with the same book.

Even though the shock and experience of that first reading can not be re-created, in some ways I was a better reader of the book this time around.

Because in the past 10 years I have read a lot more WWII historical fiction. Also after watching the movie Dunkirk last year I had a better understanding of that event, which is also covered in this book. All this helped me with context to possibly understand and therefore enjoy more thoroughly.

This is such a well written book with so much intertextuality, characterization, and many other magical literary effects, that it is a good read no matter how many times one reads it.

Also, the movie based on this book which also came out several years ago was actually pretty good. It did make me imagine Keira Knightly the whole time.

I didn’t even realized it had been nominated for best picture until seeing this!! I wasn’t as in tune with those awards as I am now. Now I need to rewatch this!

Related Post: New books to read while sheltering in place.

What are you re-reading during this time?