Literary · Historical
Atonement
On a hot day in 1935, thirteen-year-old Briony misreads a scene between her sister and a family friend and makes an accusation that changes three lives. The story follows the consequences through the Second World War.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2001
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 351
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a beautifully written, emotionally devastating story about guilt and the stories we tell.
Skip this if you dislike slow openings or war scenes in the middle section.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Atonement
- What is Atonement about?
- On a hot day in 1935, thirteen-year-old Briony misreads a scene between her sister and a family friend and makes an accusation that changes three lives. The story follows the consequences through the Second World War.
- Who should read Atonement?
- Read it if you want a beautifully written, emotionally devastating story about guilt and the stories we tell. Skip it if you dislike slow openings or war scenes in the middle section.
- How long and how fast is Atonement?
- It is a slow-paced, medium read of about 351 pages, first published in 2001.
- Does Atonement have content warnings?
- Content we flag: War, Death, Sexual assault, Grief.
- Can I borrow Atonement for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Atonement; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Atonement?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Remains of the Day, The Book Thief, A Farewell to Arms.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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If you loved Atonement
-
The Remains of the Day
Another English novel about regret, class and a life shaped by something left unsaid.
-
The Book Thief
A more accessible wartime story about the power of words and the cost of conflict.
-
A Farewell to Arms
A war and love story told in plain, spare prose with a similarly tragic arc.
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