CRITICISM

Bethune, Brian. “Look Back in Melancholy.” Maclean's (14 January 2002): 45.

Bethune discusses the ways that Atonement and W. G. Sebald's Austerlitz use the setting of the past and how both authors use events from history to comment on the art of writing.

Breslin, John B. “Lies and War.” America 187, no. 2 (15 July 2002): 22.

Breslin offers an overview of Atonement, extolling McEwan's narrative abilities as well as the novel's overall scope and ironic twists.

Charles, Ron. “Friends Strike Out in Dark Comedy.” Christian Science Monitor (17 December 1998): 21.

Charles evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of Amsterdam.

Dugan, Lawrence. Review of Black Dogs, by Ian McEwan. National Review 45, no. 1 (18 January 1993): 57-8.

Dugan praises the humanizing elements in Black Dogs and McEwan's ability to present “stark dichotomies” at the heart of his story.

Lacayo, Richard. “Twisted Sister.” Time 159, no. 12 (25 March 2002): 70.

Lacayo comments favorably on Atonement, remarking that McEwan is a subtle and skilled writer.

McEwan, Ian, and Jeff Giles. “Luminous Novel from Dark Master.” Newsweek 139, no. 11 (18 March 2002): 62-3.

McEwan discusses his literary reputation, his influences, winning the Booker Prize, and the creation of Atonement.

Mesic, Penelope. “Fountain of Youth.” Book (March-April 2002): 67.

Mesic lauds Atonement, asserting that it contains descriptive prose, intricacy, and a detailed examination of a child's point of view in contrast to an adult world view.

Messud, Claire. “The Beauty of the Conjuring.” Atlantic Monthly 289, no. 3 (March 2002): 106.

Messud focuses on the role of Briony Tallis in Atonement, noting McEwan's evocation of war, his descriptions of the human psyche, and the suspenseful aspects of the novel.

Roberts, Rex. “Quite Write.” Insight on the News 18, no. 19 (27 May 2002): 25.

Roberts comments on the critical reaction to Atonement, noting the unusually positive reception of the work.

Additional coverage of McEwan's life and career is contained in the following sources published by the Gale Group: Bestsellers, Vol. 90:4; British Writers Supplement, Vol. 4; Contemporary Authors, Vols. 61-64; Contemporary Authors New Revision Series, Vols. 14, 41, 69, 87; Contemporary Literary Criticism, Vols. 13, 66; Contemporary Novelists, Ed. 7; Dictionary of Literary Biography, Vols. 14, 194; DISCovering Authors Modules: Novelists; Literature Resource Center; Major 20th-Century Writers, Eds. 1, 2; Reference Guide to Short Fiction, Ed. 2; St. James Guide to Horror, Ghost, and Gothic Writers; Supernatural Fiction Writers, Vol. 2; and Twayne's English Authors.