Could Kristin Koval be the next Jodi Picoult? Penitence is an emotional book that follows two families as they live through the aftermath of a 13 year old shooting the brother she dearly loves. Like a Picoult book, Penitence takes us through Nora's journey as she travels down the cold judicial system. It is told from two sides. One is the side of the defense attorneys Martine and her son Julian, and the other the side of Nora's mother Angie and father David.
On top of this there is an equally compelling story that takes place previously when Julian and Angie were a teenage couple and were involved in Angie's younger sister's death. Their love was clearly very strong and they planned on a life together. The story flows seemlessly between the question of how Diana, the sister died, why Julian and Angie broke up, Nora's trial and the aftermath of Nico's death.
This is a book that is truly heartbreaking. Each carries their own backstory. It is clear Angie is unsure if she can forgive Nora for killing her son Nico. Which is the ultimate betrayal? Must a parent pick a side? Nico had Huntington's disease. Did Nora shoot him as an act of mercy or anger? In this story we see Martine act as a protector of both families. First she tries to protect Julian after Diana's death, now when she is past retirement age, she tries to protect Nora and Angie. Even Julian's career choice was not accidental.
As can be seen each character has much to add to this story. Not a single person or action is wasted. The book is full of surprises, perfect for an in depth discussion in a book club. Terrible if you cannot give away spoilers! I loved reading this, read it in two days and would highly recommend it.

I'd like to thank Celadon Publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

Penitence by Kristin M.E. Koval is a tough one for me to review.
I had to wait a few days after finishing this one to process why this book just didn't resonate with me.
All of the elements were there; it just fell short for me.

While there were plenty of all of the right characters to support the story, they just felt one dimensional. I disliked most all of them. I very much disliked the main characters. Although I feel like I was supposed to relate to them on an emotional level, maybe have empathy for them and their situations, I just couldn't feel anything stronger than annoyance and dislike.
This was a result of the choices they made, but didn't grow through.
A tragedy that occurred at their hands in high school was never resolved; just swept under the rug as it always had been.
The disfunction in all of their lives was over the top.
There was nothing to redeem any of them in my eyes.

I was very much bothered by the fact that the "main event" that brought Angie and Julian back together for a time was not really dealt with. Not really the main event in the story.
Mental illness was mentioned, but not supported by anything other than just words.
A young lady is locked away for doing something horrendous, but the issues behind why she did it, were just not mentioned; not examined beyond a suggestion of mental illness. It just seemed to me that something so drastic should have been the main focus of the story. As a mother, I would have liked to see Angie focusing on her daughter rather than rehashing a failed relationship from high school and college.

The legal aspects of the story, the attempt to shed some light on the juvenile justice system, the bargaining, etc. also just fell flat. The "bargaining" was more manipulation and bribery than law-based.

Topics that should have been rife with emotion just fell very very short for me.

Maybe I missed the point of the book?

This one was 2.5 star read for me. Rounded up to 3.

Thank you to Netgalley and Celadon books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I believe this is a debut novel, so, very nice job, overall. Angie and David Sheehan of small ski town Lodgepe, Colorado have kids, Nico, 14 and Nora, 13. A truly shocking murder occurs at their home (ooooh, I love me a kid who kills.). The couple turns to local attorney Martine Dumont for help. The rub is that Martine is the mother of Julian, a criminal defense attorney in NYC and the former love of Angie’s life. So, a little messy.

Plus did I mention that the gun used was David’s? And that Nico had a terminal disease? And that Julian and Angie share a big secret? So much going on here.

This one kept me turning the pages, even though I guessed the big twist early, and you likely will too (and it’s totally unforgivable, IMHO.). However, the author did a good job with the various elements of the story. I liked that Angie was so very, very angry. I liked that there was a lot of discord in the families…that’s what real families are like. Enjoyed it thoroughly.

I loved this book. Great characters. The story had a lot going on, and there was a complicated back story that was vivid, engaging, and felt very real. The small town setting description was good. New York City was a good backdrop as well in parts of the book, but I felt throwing 9/11 in the mix didn't add much to the story. The main character felt a little unglued in her actions at times. Impulsive. Overall though, an engaging and emotional read about impossible choices that many have to make in life. It was relatable and well-written.

Brilliant, engaging, thrilling from start to finish. Loved the atmosphere. The writing was both stylish and easy to read. I'd read more from this author.

An unimaginable incident occurs ultimately involving several families and generations. This is a poignant story of love, lost and found but always changing as time passes.
It is one of the most moving and emotion filled stories I have ever read. It is also one the the best books of the year.

This book is much more than a legal thriller. It was a riveting, gut wrenching story with a variety of believable and unique characters. The reader is taken on a journey with two connected families dealing with past/present tragedies while experiencing a myriad of emotions from grief, hope, blame, love and most importantly, forgiveness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A thought provoking and devastating story that spans decades and settings between Colorado and New York. When a 13 year old shoots and kills her brother lives are shattered. Two families with a complicated and troubled history must confront events in their past as they navigate the current tragedy. It is a story of complicated families, redemption and forgiveness. I enjoyed and recommend this book.

I’ll start out with the good. She’s a very good writer with smooth, flowing prose and a well developed enfolding of the story. Good transitions between past and present. However, one of the main characters, Angie, demonstrated no penitence whatsoever. I always enjoy an author who makes me hate a character, but I don’t think that was the author’s intent. This would be a great book club read as it provokes much discussion and ranting. Thank you so much NetGalley and Celadon Books for the opportunity to read this novel.