The plot of the novel Atonement by Ian McEwan revolves around the lives of the Tallis family. It is set in England and it is in three parts which connects three time periods. The novel explores the themes of love, the destructive nature of evil, reparation for wrongdoing and divine retribution.
It begins with the description of a Tallis family re-union in Surrey, England where Cecilia, Leon and Briony meet again. Their cousins Lola, Jackson and Pierrot Quincey stay with them during the summer vacation.
Robbie Turner is the son of the Tallis housekeeper Grace Turner. Robbie wins a scholarship to Cambridge University, and his formidable intellect and education enables him to rise above his poor beginnings. Robbie and Cecilia are in love, and they look forward to sharing their life together. But their hopes are shattered by Lola who is diabolical, duplicitous, ruthless, manipulative and selfish. Lola influences the young and impressionable Briony to falsely accuse Robbie of a crime which he did not commit.
There is a stark similarity between Lola Quincey in Atonement and Becky Thatcher in Vanity Fair. Both Lola and Becky ruthlessly destroy the lives of innocent people and they are completely devoid of a conscience. Both Lola and Becky are driven by an iron will and self love. The novel is powerfully evocative and tells the story of Briony's guilt and reparation for her wrongdoing. The evil Lola never repents for her sins of manipulating and influencing Briony to falsely accuse Robbie, because she is a ruthless sub-human.