"Atonement" is a novel by British author Ian McEwan, published in 2001. The novel is set in England during the 1930s and spans several decades, up to the 1990s. It tells the story of Briony Tallis, a young girl from a wealthy family, who falsely accuses Robbie Turner, the son of the family's housekeeper, of a crime he did not commit. The accusation leads to tragic consequences for Robbie and his lover, Briony's older sister Cecilia.
The novel is divided into three parts, each focusing on different characters and perspectives. The first part centers on Briony's childhood and the events leading up to her false accusation. The second part follows Robbie and Cecilia as they deal with the repercussions of Briony's lie, including Robbie's imprisonment and their separation. The third part takes place years later, as Briony reflects on the impact of her actions and attempts to atone for her mistake.
"Atonement" explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of storytelling. McEwan's intricate narrative style and rich character development have made the novel widely acclaimed, and it was adapted into a successful film in 2007, directed by Joe Wright and starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy.