I bought this at a used book sale for the cover featuring Keira Knightly and James McAvoy, stars of the 2007 film adaptation. It was one of those films I wanted to see but never got around to, and after purchase also became one of those books I wanted to read but never got around to it. But I finally read it over Thanksgiving break. 
 The story and the characters are somewhat simplistic and I figured out all of the 'plot twists' within the first couple chapters. But in the end, neither plot nor character is the point. The 'atonement' (amends) is found within the writing, both the act of it, and the beauty of it. For it is beautifully written -- vivid, poignant, and deliberate. It is also incredibly sad. After I finished reading the book, I watched the film, which is very true to the novel in that it emphasizes aesthetic over story. I recommend both, but only as art, and only if your heart can take it.