Atonement

by Ian McEwan

So much more than a tale of star-crossed lovers torn apart by scandal, lies, and war, Atonement is an example of compelling prose. Set in Great Britain and France and using World War II as a backdrop, the novel follows Briony, Cecilia, and Robbie from the scene of a crime through its tragic denouement. Ian McEwan draws the reader into the minds of each character at different points in their lives in a way that elicits empathy--even when those characters commit terrible acts. Lessons in regret and the ability to forgive--or not--will last with you long after you turn the last page.

--Angela Boatright, Faculty