Although Ian McEwan's Atonement was first published in 2001, it's back on bestseller lists after the recent release of the film version of the novel.

In the beginning of the story, young, imaginative Briony Tallis, a budding author, convinces herself that she saw her sisted get attacked. Briony believes Robbie Turner - the son of the housekeeper - raped her sister, Cecilia, then later the same night assaulted her cousin.

Due to Briony's testimony alone, Robbie is sentenced to jail and five years later is released and joins the British Army. The second part of the story follows Robbie during the early days of WWII.

Cecilia, who is in love with Robbie, meanwhile has become a nurse and ends contact with her family. In the third part of Atonement, Briony has also turned to nursing, in a way to repent for her accusation.

Atonement is McEwan at his best - deep, masterful and compelling. The novel spans three very different settings and its scope and descriptiveness are remarkable.

- Ashley