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Plot Synopsis
Starting in 1935, 13-year-old Briony Tallis (knowingly) wrongfully accuses her older sister's lover, Robbie Turner, of rape. He spends three years in prison, but volunteers to serve in World War II to shorten his sentence.Robbie briefly reunites with Briony's sister, Cecilia, before heading to Dunkirk. Cecilia, a nurse during the war, eventually realizes that Robbie was innocent of his crime.
Briony, self-exiled from her family due to the incident, also becomes a nurse as a means of atonement for actions. In the end, it is revealed the entire story was imagined by Briony, who reveals in the last part of the book that Cecilia and Robbie were both killed in the war, and had never reunited.
Briony laments over her actions, knowing that there is no real atonement for denying them their happiness.
Critical Reception
Lauded as the best novel of 2001 by Time Magazine, Atonement received unanimous praise by critics upon its release. It also won numerous awards, including the 2001 James Tait Black Memorial Prize, the 2002 WH Smith Literary Award, and most notably the 2002 National Book Critics Circle Award.In 2007, the book was adapted into a film, starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy. It won the "Best Motion Picture Drama" at the Golden Globes the next year.
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Atonement Questions
Does anyone know any James McAvoy movies? I know there's Atonement, but I have a dislike for Keira Knightley... 2 AnswersHere are all of James McAvoy's films since 2005: 2005 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 2006 The Last King of Scotland 2006 Pene... read more
What do you think of Zero-Population Growth? 2 AnswersI'm not in favor of forcing anyone to do anything in the name of zero population growth but it is pretty clear that our world would be a better place if we coul... read more -
Atonement Author Information
- Mahalo's Guide to Ian McEwan
- Official Ian McEwan Site
- Wikipedia: Ian McEwan
- BBC News: "McEwan: Enduring Talent"
- The Independent: "Ian McEwan: Here's the Twist" (2007)
- The Morning News: "Ian McEwan" (2007)




