Atonement

The challenges and tribulations of two bereft families endeavoring to rebuild and unite during the post-World War II era lead each of the characters to reveal hidden layers of their personalities and make some tough decisions that will inevitably shape their destiny. It's well past midnight when Aharon Roth slips silently out of his house and begins an ill-fated trek across Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. An hour later, he emerges elatedly from Nazi Headquarters, his wish fulfilled but his choice seared in his family's history and future, awaiting the day when his debt will finally be repaid. The war over, Chaya remains alone in Amsterdam home, too weary to begin life anew in a foreign country, yet deeply committed to her family abroad. From afar, she concocts a brilliant scheme to bring them back home. Widower Sol wishes he could escape the feelings of low self-worth that have pursued him since childhood. Esther, war-torn survivor, braves a new country, language and life to fulfill her dream of rebuilding her family, only to discover that her presence in her new home is unwanted. Becky and Ruth, stepsisters struggling to surmont the hurdles of a complex family relationship. The challenges and tribulations, heartbreaks and joys of two bereft families endeavoring to rebuild and unite during the post-World War II erea lead each of the characters to reveal hidden layers of their personalities. Their personal strenghts and failings collide, forcing each one to make tough decisions that shape their destinies an the future of the Roth family. ...While behind the scenes, an elderly Chaya masterfully puppeteers events, eagerly anticipating the crucial moment when she will finally divulge the shocking secret that will grant her family the atonement she craves. By: Sarah Schwartzman