Atonement is a novel by Ian McEwan, published in 2001. It tells the story of 13-year-old Briony Tallis, who falsely accuses her older sister's lover of a crime, leading to devastating consequences for all involved. The novel is structured in three parts and spans several decades, following the lives of Briony, her sister Cecilia, and the accused man, Robbie, as they try to come to terms with the events of that fateful summer.
Atonement is a powerful and emotional portrayal of love, guilt, and the consequences of our actions. It is a complex and layered novel that explores the ways in which our choices and beliefs can shape our lives and the lives of others. The novel was widely praised upon its release and was adapted into a successful film in 2007.