I'm completely immersed in Ian McEwan's Atonement. Barely coming up for air . . . or work (in its varying manifestations). I'm nearing the last fifty pages and I have to say that while the first section felt the strongest in terms of writing (and captivating my interest), I'm loving this read (tragic love affair, brilliant writing and thought-provoking comments on the act of writing, characters who surprise and feel authentic? What's not to love?).

I took my time getting around to this book on purpose. I've sometimes found that a book that has received a good deal of hype and/or has been nominated for prestigious awards -- especially one with a plot/setting that appeals to me (not to mention spawning a film with high-profile actors in it) -- can disappoint (I'm not sure what this says about my expectations . . . or about hype and awards and films). And I really wanted to like this novel. So I held off, delaying the pleasure or disappointment, until this week. And now I keep going back to Briony and Robbie and Cecilia, wondering what wonderfully-paced sentences McEwan is going to use to resolve it all . . .

There is so much going on in this novel . . . so much to think about. I love it when a novel can fully engage one's brain!

So off I go to work . . . and to wait til I can read more.