3.5 stars out of 5

Just a heads up, there are some spoilers in this review.

I liked the premise of this book a lot. The idea of how it could play out for black American families if there was a national reparations program.

I enjoyed the author talking about how something that can look like a great idea on the surface, has many other complex moving parts and things to consider. Even when you think you’ve thought something through, there are always edits that need to be made.

In this story, some of the families are unable to provide the needed documentation to gain access to the reparation funds. So the government adjusts the needed proof and also provide funds and resources to help families get access to the needed documents. The government didn’t realize how difficult it would be to trace one’s ancestry back to and through slavery.

Other characters in the book felt like the reparations were a hand-out or that others would see it as a hand-out and were afraid of the backlash and protests that could happen. It showed how white-owned businesses could choose to stop doing business with Black-owned businesses, really negatively effecting their ability to continue surviving.

The main character in the book, Willie, has to make a big decision about whether she’s willing to do business with someone who is adamantly against the reparations act in order to save her family’s business. This could also cost the family their nice home that they’ve worked and saved for. In the book, this house represents so much more to the family than a nice home. It’s physical proof that blacks have the same rights as whites. It shows how far her family has come from being slaves to owning their own business and being able to buy a house in the “nice neigborhood.”

Although I thought this book brought up some great moral choices, I wanted the characters to be more fleshed out. I wanted to see more of their emotions and more interactions between them. I think these family relationships could have brought more to the book and we could have more deeply explored their complicated feelings about the reparations act.

I also felt like this book just kind of ended too early. In the end, the main character and her brother get the reparation funds, but half is in cash and the other half is held in a government fund as to help fight inflation. I don’t think this is what the characters were expecting and I think their thoughts on this could have been an interesting idea to cover. Also towards the end, Willie is trying to find happiness and we never discover what that means to her or if there is progress on this front. There is an epilogue at the end, but it didn’t answer these questions.

An interesting read, but I wanted a bit more character depth, relationship exploration among family members, and more of a conclusion with loose ends tied up.

Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy of this book!

I really liked this story but I wanted more from it at the same time. It took a long time to get to the part that I was excited about: learning about the family tree. The Forgiveness Act is a great discussion point for book clubs; not for or against but what are the outcomes of doing it? Is the amount enough? How do you quantify centuries of wrong?

I liked Willie but I adored her daughter Paloma. She was bright and ahead of her peers in 5th grade. She had a wise way about her even at a young age.

Beautiful family story of love and legacy. Themes of racism (both overt and covert), legacy, resentment, history and legacy are beautifully treated by the author. Family, its history and its impact on how we grow and develop are explored. What we sacrifice to make our parents happy and how these actions transcend race and become universal resonate.

Acts of Forgiveness is an ambitious debut novel that spans multiple generations, focusing around the main character Willie as she navigates helping her family business stay alive amidst a federal reparations program (Forgiveness Act) being passed by her ex-Cornell professor turned president. This is a novel that focuses on themes around family and its obligations, wealth in the form of property namely the family house and what it represents, respectability, and societal success especially around the arenas of writing and career. The writing has wonderful moments where you feel integrated into the specific scenes and also provides a very interesting glimpse into what may happen after a reparations program passes and a description of the various complex policies, issues, and emotions that such program may involve for this family. While the book started out weaving many promising threads, my main complaint as a reader was that sometimes it felt like there wasn't enough time or depth with the characters and events to understand them fully or deeply (or maybe there were too many events and subplots) and the ending felt it came too much like a deus ex machina (joyous, but also maybe with not as much heft or reflection as would be expected from the set-up and premise).

Thanks to Ballantine for the opportunity to read this ARC.

"Acts of Forgiveness" delves into the enactment of the Forgiveness Act, which provides $175,000 to individuals able to validate their lineage to enslaved ancestors. The narrative centers on the Revel family's journey as they endeavor to secure this compensation. Initially, the focus lies on the Revels' experiences, preceding the passage of the Forgiveness Act. Following its implementation, the family embarks on the meticulous process of researching their ancestry to claim the funds. Despite the Act's intentions, the narrative explores lingering racial tensions and obstacles encountered by those attempting to collect. While the premise of the Forgiveness Act holds significant narrative potential, the reader expresses disappointment in the singular focus on the Revel family. Acknowledgement is made of the broader struggle many families faced in tracing their lineage and filing claims. The narrative touches upon other families' efforts and deliberations surrounding the Act, hinting at a wider tapestry of experiences beyond the Revels. Though the Revels' story is well-crafted and insightful, the reader expresses a desire for a more expansive exploration of how various families navigated the challenges posed by the Forgiveness Act.

An original, provocative and thoughtful novel about a family struggling to look back at its past. Willie, a journalist, has been a somewhat privileged woman but now, with the possibility of reparations paid to those descended from slaves, she's exploring her family's history. Not everyone agrees with this-and Willie herself finds herself periodically conflicted. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. It's an interesting look at one family but applicable to so many more.

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley, and I was immediately drawn to the intriguing premise of "Acts of Forgiveness." Exploring the impact of a national reparations program on individuals and families promised a powerful and thought-provoking read, and Maura Cheeks did not disappoint.

The prose is vivid and immersive, transporting me to the heart of the story and allowing me to truly connect with the characters' emotions. The concept of the 'Forgiveness Act' felt so real that I found myself half-expecting news articles about its implementation.

Something I would have liked to see done differently was Willie's daughter's (Paloma) story. While it was interesting to see the perspective of the youngest member of the Revels, I felt it could have been more tightly integrated into the main narrative. At times, her chapters felt like separate threads rather than seamlessly woven into the larger tapestry.

Despite this, "Acts of Forgiveness" remains a powerful and thought-provoking novel. If you're looking for a book that will challenge your perspectives and leave you pondering its themes, I highly recommend picking this one up.

ACTS OF FORGIVENESS
Maura Cheeks

ACTS OF FORGIVENESS is a debut novel about family, fighting for what you believe in, and the power of forgiveness.

In ACTS OF FORGIVENESS, we are following the residents of 512 Lewaro Street. Willie is the daughter of Max and Lourdes. She is many other things but first, she is a daughter. Their daughter. Fulfilling her parents’ wishes is important to her. It is her guiding force.

Sometimes it is her downfall.

ACTS OF FORGIVENESS is also about the concept of reparations. Expressed in this fictional world as The Forgiveness Act. We follow along as the impact of The Forgiveness Act is seen in the world, on the family, and Willie, individually.


ACTS OF FORGIVENESS felt like a debut. It has a big heart, and the focus is big, almost too big. Over the duration of the book, we discuss a wide range of topics and have multiple discussions. It’s first and foremost about The Forgiveness Act and in that we talk and family, heritage, history, and in there somewhere we talk about forgiveness.

It is written as if it were the only book Cheeks would ever write. Like her pen was on fire, she had a lot to say, and it felt like, not a lot of time to say it. I enjoyed the characters and I’m thankful for much of the discussion. I gave ACTS OF FORGIVENESS three stars.

Thanks to Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Ballantine Books for the advanced copy!

ACTS OF FORGIVENESS…⭐⭐⭐

What is the weight of history, both personally and societally? In Acts of Forgiveness debut author Maura Cheeks explores this idea in the context of one woman’s search for her family’s lineage.

In a modern America not placed within an exact timeframe (but that feels both shockingly progressive and also unsurprisingly regressive) Cheeks creates the Forgiveness Act, passed by Congress and signed by a female President, which at last grants Black Americans reparations.

Willie is a woman tethered by familial responsibility, who felt compelled to abandon her dreams to preserve her parents’. As she determinatively seeks out her family history to ensure that her family receives their money, she fully realizes the impacts (both positive and negative) of knowing exactly where you came from.

Overall, I thought that this was a compelling story with a timely premise that did not flinch away from the horror that systemic racism has wrought in the United States. My only qualm is with the pacing and some of the transitions, but these were very minor concerns in the context of the overarching plot. Overall, I felt that including multiple points-of-view enriched the story and painted the picture of a complicated family dynamic that was and is shaped by myriad circumstances.

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this novel.

I was really excited to receive this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. The premise of this debut novel is fantastic; I'd personally be thrilled if I ever saw something like the Forgiveness Act and financial reparations happen in my lifetime. The author wrote really powerful passages about this Act and why it is so important. The rest of the story, however, suffered from really poor pacing (the Act didn't pass until more than 50% into the book), half-baked character development, weird transitions (like really poor editing in a movie), and a bunch of secondary characters/plots that never quite connected well to the story. The book constantly felt like it was setting itself up for something big, but then it always fizzled out. As a result, I struggled to connect to the characters and every night when I picked up the book again, I had to flip through a bunch of pages because I didn't remember what I had read the night before and even when skimming, it seemed out of order and new to me! While this was a disappointing read for me, it certainly covered a topic that is really important and very thought-provoking.

This was an interesting debut novel that imagines an America in which a Forgiveness Act is passed which allows Black families to claim up to $175,000 if they can prove they are descended from slaves. Focused on the ways in which this affects one particular family, this was a fascinating exploration about the implications of what such an Act could mean in terms of helping heal past wrongs or incite further racial divides. Good on audio and definitely the mark of an author to watch in the future. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Acts of Forgiveness will undoubtedly be on a lot of people’s ’Best of’ lists in 2024. This account of what could be, dreams deferred, and the forgiveness it takes to realize those dreams is one that will sit with me for years.

Everyone waits with baited breath to see if the first female president will pass The Forgiveness Act—granting each descendant of slavery in the US over the age of 18 $175,000. We follow the main character Willie and her family through their journey of forgiving the country and each other.

I was so excited to receive an advanced copy of Acts of Forgiveness after reading the brief description. As a Black American, the conversation around reparations is one that we hear tossed around time and time again and seeing how it might actually play out was eye-opening. But what stole the show was the family story Cheeks’ told about the Revels.

Taking us from Philly to the Deep South, we follow Willie as she navigates being the Privileged Black Girl, The Only Black Girl, The Black Single Mother, The Angry Black Woman, and more. Willie learns the power of forgiveness within herself and her family in addition to how to forgive on behalf of and for others. We also get a look into the meaning of legacy with the Revel family business and how being Black in America can often feel like one step forward means two steps backwards.

This book made me laugh, cry, and feel an immense sense of pride to be a Black American in this country. A fantastic debut for Maura Cheeks and I can’t wait for everyone to be talking about this book. Thank you Random House and NetGalley for my advanced copy. Acts of Forgiveness is out February 13, 2024.

This was such a unique approach to a topic that we all wonder what will happen if there are actual reparations for
African Americans. The main family, Marcus, Max, Lourdes, Willie, Seb, and Paloma, are figuring out how to get through life when the Forgiveness Act passes and they can get money from the government if they can prove they descend from slaves. This book's approach was so heartfelt and genuine. It shows how nothing is perfect but might be helpful just the same. Highly recommend this book as a glimpse into possibility.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

Wow, this book is really something. It’s about family history, family legacy and family obligation. It explores a bold idea: Can forgiveness be political, and can it be lasting? The story centers around the Revel family, focusing on Willie whose hope to pursue a career in journalism is dashed when she’s called home to help with the family business.

The story begin in the unspecified present day when the president is championing a bill to offer reparations to people who are descended from slaves in an effort to address the wealth gap and systematic racism that has held back the Black community. We then go back 22 years and learn more about Willie and her family as she grows up before returning to the present where she is the mother of a bright young girl and hoping the Forgiveness Act will pass and secure her family’s future.

The book takes what could be considered a controversial idea and makes a very good case for it. I was not surprised to read the author has a journalism background herself. The book feels authentic and touches on some hard truths. I was very invested in Willie’s journey to track down her ancestors in order to apply for the forgiveness money.

I don’t feel like I’m eloquently describing this book. I worried it might be a ‘homework’ kinda of novel that I had to force myself to get through since it covers some heavy topics, but it was a pleasure to read and I loved the characters. A wonderful epilogue as well.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The storyline is the granddaughter of Andrew Jackson becomes president of the United States and proposes a reparation payment to the descendants of slaves. The issues are complicated and citizens vehemently take sides which results both damaged relationships and violence.

Willie, the protagonist, is a daughter, mother, writer, employee of her family's business, and a woman struggling with her own issues during this period of national upheaval.

It's a powerful novel. The characters are well-developed and relatable.

I really enjoyed this book. I was captivated by how the signing of The Forgiveness Act affected Willie and her family and was so vested in the outcome. Would their application be accepted? Would they have to sell 512 Lewaro Street? I think it's such an important story that needed to be told. It was educational without being preachy with fully fleshed out and likeable characters who I very much enjoyed getting to know.

This book is perfect for the times we currently live in. Acts of Forgiveness is about the US acknowledging and paying reparations to the families of slaves for the brutal conditions that slaves in the US had to live through. As divided and prejudiced as this country is, this book will be hailed for the subject matter by many readers, but may also be disregarded by many potential readers. I found this book to be interesting but slow going. I am appreciative of the digital ARC that I received from NetGalley and Ballantine Publishing. I was not coerced to give this review and it is my own opinion.

Wilhelmina “Willie” Revel is the daughter of Max and Lourdes. When Max's construction company becomes a success, the family moves a few miles away to a more upscale suburban Philadelphia neighborhood. Willie is sent to a private school where she is the only Black student. While she started out to become a journalist, Willie returns to her family's home after a promising start in her career, when she is needed in the family business. Years later, female President Elizabeth Johnson, a descendant of Andrew Johnson and also a former mentor to Willie, passes the Forgiveness Act. The government sets to pay $175,000 to people who can prove they were descendants of slaves. The country becomes divided on its fairness. Willie sets out to learn the history of her family as the reparation payments offer a chance to get the family back on its feet.

In an impressive debut, author Maura Cheeks tackles the subject of reparations in Acts of Forgiveness. Through the eyes of one family, it becomes clear that this is a complex topic. Not everyone is comfortable with Willie researching the family's roots. And not everyone agrees on the role the government should play in providing these payments. This is a moving family drama where the lives of the Revel family play out in various timelines and narratives while addressing racism and a hypothetical public policy.

4.25 stars.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4

I am grateful to have been given an ARC of this book — which I could not put down and finished in a day.

I learned of Maura Cheeks’s new novel on a book podcast I listen to. I thought the premise was interesting and dove in.

I hadn’t read the article that inspired this novel, but I think it’s genius to explore issues through story. Cheeks does this by exploring what the idea of a “Forgiveness Act” and reparations for descendants of slaves could mean through the Revel family and some of their friends and community members.

This is a multigenerational story that mostly focuses on the main character Willie’s perspective and also alternates to her daughter Paloma’s perspective a few times.

I was deeply drawn in to the world of Max, Lourdes, Willie and all four generations of this family. Before we follow Willie’s journey tracing her family’s roots, we learn of their more recent past, how Marcus, Willie’s grandfather, was unjustly denied Veteran benefits that would have helped him pursue higher education and a mortgage, how his son and Willie’s father, Max, used these injustices as motivation to work hard and pull his family out of poverty, into a better neighborhood, home ownership, private schools, college, etc.

And most importantly, we see Willie’s internal struggles as the beneficiary of all this hard work - as the only black girl in her in her private elementary school, as a high-achiever at an Ivy League college starting on a promising path as a journalist but putting that aside to help her family when called upon, then later becoming a single mom. And then as Willie is dealing with all of this, to further help her family, when a reparations law is passed, she sets out to establish proof of her genealogy as a descendant of slaves, to find the people who owned her great-great grandfather/mother. (Those sections and those specific words — seeking the people who owned her family, were well written and devastating.)

While the reparations law is central to Willie’s search, this book isn’t just about politics. It is about Willie, her ancestors and their legacies and about her own growth as she searches for the truth.

Cheeks does a good job of writing these characters so that you want to keep turning the pages to see what happens to them. Does Willie find what she needs to prove who her family was? Will the Rebels save their family business? Will they compromise their ethics to do so? Does Willie stay on continuing to help her family or pursue her own dreams? Does she find love? How will all of this affect her daughter, Paloma?

There are so many themes this book speaks to — family, parents working to provide opportunities for the next generation but the new generation struggling to find their place, the different treatment and decisions men and women face in choosing careers, family or trying to balance both, aging parents, a job as a purpose vs a paycheck, ethical dilemmas in business and many others.

This debut tackles a lot, is compelling regardless of where you stand on the politics, and while there were some sections that I thought could be improved upon, it is 310 pages of stories and ideas that will make you reflect. A great debut novel.

My head feels a little heavy after this one.

The Revel family has a shadowy past with one side of the family choosing not to talk about why they left the south and the other not knowing much due to an off the books adoption.

We follow Willie, a daughter of this family as her parents move to a new, mostly white neighborhood to help be a part of the change, even choosing to send Willie to a private school with very few other Black students. She has big journalist dreams, but puts them on the shelf when her father's health declines and help with the family business is suddenly needed (of course the son couldn't possibly help).

During this time, a former professor of Willie's, shoots up in the political world and as president pushes for the passage of the Forgiveness Act, a bill to allow Black Americans who can prove lineage to slavery a sizable financial claim. Obviously some white people get mad and violent - cause hate.

Willie has to go digging deep to find her family's history and makes some astonishing and terrible discoveries.

The way the family obviously loved each other but seemed to hold each other a bit a part, like all the secrets and things unsaid were filling up that space.