Book of the Week – Atonement

Synopsis

Robbie tries to survive in wartime. Help is at hand. Sian Thomas reads Ian McEwan's novel of three lives changed by one lie.

Further Information

Book of the Week - Atonement

Book of the Week - Atonement | Episode 1

2002 | 13'53''

On the hottest day of 1935, 13-year-old Briony witnesses a moment by a fountain, and changes the lives of three people forever. Read...

Book of the Week - Atonement | Episode 2

2002 | 13'54''

As rehearsals falter, Briony witnesses a meeting at the fountain. And the chocolate millionaire arrives.

Book of the Week - Atonement | Episode 3

2002 | 13'49''

The temperature rises as the afternoon turns to evening on the Tallis's Surrey estate.

Book of the Week - Atonement | Episode 4

2002 | 13'46''

As Briony determines to leave childhood behind, Robbie is writing a letter that will change his life

Book of the Week - Atonement | Episode 5

2002 | 14'03''

As Briony determines to leave childhood behind, Robbie is writing a letter that will change his life

Book of the Week - Atonement | Episode 6

2002 | 13'53''

A tender moment in the library and a pair of runaways. Sian Thomas reads a compelling portrait of a family torn apart one summer's e...

Book of the Week - Atonement | Episode 7

2002 | 13'54''

Briony sets out to search for the missing twins. Sian Thomas continues reading Ian McEwan's acclaimed study of the power of the imag...

Book of the Week - Atonement | Episode 8

2002 | 13'54''

Briony tells her story, and all must live by the consequences. Sian Thomas reads Ian McEwan's novel of childhood, love and terrible ...

Book of the Week - Atonement | Episode 9

2002 | 13'46''

Time has passed, and Robbie is serving in the military. Sian Thomas continues reading Ian McEwan's novel about love and war.

Book of the Week - Atonement | Episode 10

2002 | 13'52''

The retreat to Dunkirk means Robbie's fortunes hang in the balance. Sian Thomas reads Ian McEwan's novel about love and war.

Book of the Week - Atonement | Episode 11

2002 | 13'59''

Robbie tries to survive in wartime. Help is at hand. Sian Thomas reads Ian McEwan's novel of three lives changed by one lie.

Book of the Week - Atonement | Episode 12

2002 | 13'54''

Briony considers her past and future. Sian Thomas reads Ian McEwan's compelling story of three lives changed forever by one lie.

Book of the Week - Atonement | Episode 13

2002 | 13'58''

As the troops reach the capital, Briony realises that the time has come to try to make amends. Sian Thomas reads Ian McEwan's story...

Book of the Week - Atonement | Episode 14

2002 | 13'54''

As the day of reckoning arrives, Briony ponders novels. Sian Thomas reads the penultimate episode of Ian McEwan's tale of three peo...

Book of the Week - Atonement | Episode 15

2002 | 13'50''

Sian Thomas reads the final part of Ian McEwan's study of shame and forgiveness, of the need for and difficulty of absolution.

Other Archive resources

On Chesil Beach | BBC Two | 2020

On Chesil Beach (2017)

Young graduates from different social classes get married after an intense but non-physical affair, but the honeymoon proves to be a huge challenge.

Atonement | BBC One | 2024

Atonement (2007)

Thirteen-year-old fledgling writer Briony Tallis irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister's lover of a crime he did not commit.

Book of the Week – Atonement | Episode 11

Synopsis