This is the story of a common field laborer, Michael Henshard, who becomes a leader in a small market town and then through his own failure sinks back miserably to his humble beginnings.

Tim Thomas was a gifted aerospace engineer with a beautiful wife. Then, while using his cell phone while driving, his car wandered across lanes and he became responsible for the deaths of 7 others, including his wife. Unable to forgive himself, Tim sets out to give "pounds of flesh" that will give new life to 7 deserving individuals to make up for the 7 lives he destroyed. Tim intends to kill himself and to bestow gifts to 7 worthy people, which includes...

In 1935, thirteen-year-old fledgling writer Briony Tallis and her family live a life of wealth and privilege in their enormous mansion. On the warmest day of the year, the country estate takes on an unsettling hothouse atmosphere, stoking Briony's vivid imagination. Robbie Turner, the educated son of the family's housekeeper, carries a torch for Briony's headstrong older sister Cecilia. He hopes that Cecilia has comparable feelings. All it will take...