Ian McEwan's Atonement is a masterful novel exploring guilt, redemption, and the power of storytelling to reshape truth. Following a young girl's false accusation that destroys lives, McEwan examines how we construct narratives to make sense of chaos and how fiction can both harm and heal. The novel becomes a meditation on the impossibility of true atonement and whether we can ever fully repair the damage we've caused.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because McEwan understands that atonement isn't about forgiveness, it's about living with what you've done. This novel reminds us that some acts can't be undone, and that sometimes the best we can do is tell the story differently, hoping it matters.

DETAILS: • Author: Ian McEwan • Publisher: Vintage • Format: Paperback • Publication Date: February 25, 2003 • ISBN: 9780385721790 • Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days