This character-driven story is about family, murder, and the price we pay for love and forgiveness. It is stark, bleak, and yet hopeful. I will think about it for a long time.

I wasn’t a very big fan of this one. I think once the book started, this would cover more of the court case and what happened with the murder at the beginning of the book. But it was more about the backstory of Angie and her ex Julian. I just don’t think that really enthralled me that much, and I didn’t really care for either of the characters.

I did like the whole aspect of penitence, and punishing yourself and living in guilt for things that may or may not be your fault. But that was probably my only real takeaway from the book.

I do think others will enjoy this book, though, but I probably won’t be the person to recommend it to them.

𝘼 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣:
I liked the narrator for this. I think she did a great job and her voice/personality fit with the theme of the book (more serious/ somber.)

3.5/5 rounded down

My last (and favorite) read from January!

I knew I was going to click with this book from the first chapter — maybe even from the epigraph.

I love a heavy, introspective, and character-focused read, and this debut has that those elements in spades. The intricacies of all the little hurts and silences and betrayals between the cast of characters were stunning, and when you put them all together, it’ll break your heart right in half.

I like to say there’s books that make you cry and there’s books that make you ache, and this one is the latter. It’s not a sneak-up-on-you, big feelings, sob-worthy kind of emotional, it’s the kind of hurt that leaves you a little numb and empty and makes you want to just lie on the floor and stare at the ceiling — I’m still in some pain almost a week after finishing it. In other words, I thought it was perfect 😂

It was a beautiful listen on audio, and you’d better believe I’ll be getting myself a physical copy to hang on to as well!

3.5/5

I absolutely loved the narration of this book, and there were some emotional portions of the book that really captured my attention toward the end of the book. I also really liked the timelines that bounced around.

I was pretty disappointed by the fact that the twists were expected toward the beginning of the book and that we never got a convicting enough reason for why Nora killed Nico. Nora in general just fell really flat for me as a character. I also wish we got some inside into Nico's personality and character before the shooting took place. I think that would have added even more depth to the story.

Angie really bothered me. She was not at all a likeable character in my eyes.

Julian was probably the most interesting character of the story because although he has flaws, he also has a lot of redeemable qualities about him as well. I'm glad the relationships in this book were one of the least predictable things about it.

I struggled with the overall rating of this book, because I did go through an emotional journey at the end, but overall, not everything really came together for me by the end. It kind of fell flat.

“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 - 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘥𝘥 𝘶𝘱, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘮. 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵.”

Thank you Celadon Books for inviting me to review Penitence and providing advanced readers copies via Netgalley. I opted for the advanced listeners copy and really enjoyed the narrator, Therese Plummer.

Said to be in the same vein as Celeste Ng, which I agree with, Penitence is a heavy hitter that touches on some big topics, so for those who are interested know it contains heavy subject matter that can be triggering.

We are given several POVs throughout a few timelines and this provides a more comprehensive look at both the overall story but also the characters who understandably have layers and grapple with their conflicting emotions and thoughts. You can empathize with them as Koval addresses the anger, confusion, and grief involved in a horrific situation like this; how family wrestle with love and forgiveness when their own flesh has committed such a crime against another; the complicated nature of some relationships, be it family or lovers or those whom we find our lives always tied to; and the weight of our choices.

Overall I did really like it. It can be tough at points, and you root for truth and healing to prevail, yet by the end there was something that left me feeling not fully satisfied, and that was probably intentional on Koval’s part because that’s real life, that’s tragedy, that’s the dynamics between people - it doesn’t always meet our expectations and provide all that we want or the answers we seek, and ultimately, we have to live with that. We have to live with the consequences of others’ actions or lack thereof. Content includes tragic deaths of children (one by a gun and this is obviously mentioned throughout), mental health, deteriorating illness, some profanity, juvenile delinquency, 9/11, and infidelity.

This book really packs a punch. It has duo timelines and a slow burn mystery, but it’s so addictive. I listened to the whole thing in a day! It’s a gripping but sad story about two lawyers working hard for free to defend a 13 yr old girl. The characters are complex and interesting. You’ll want to know more about Julian, Angie, David, Nora, Nico, and Martine. The story is about forgiveness, the legal system, and family drama. It’s really well done and will stay with me for a long time.

The narrator, Thérèse Plummer, does an amazing job bringing the characters to life. She uses the perfect tone for each one, making you feel their anger, betrayal, sadness, and happiness.

Kristin Koval’s Penitence is a character focused story about love, deceit and forgiveness. It is beautifully written; the small Colorado town setting provides rich imagery of aspens and water. This is not a psychological thriller and it’s not suspenseful. However if you enjoy complex, realistic characters who find redemption, you’ll enjoy this book. It’s a 3.5 out of 5 stars for me.

This book definitely give a HUGE emotional hangover as you read/when you finish it - heavy and moving, this is for the moral philosophers.

The title suited the novel perfectly. Penitence, sorrow, regret, culpability, and atonement permeated the book which is set in a small Colorado ski resort town.

The plot begins with Nora Sheehan, a thirteen year old girl ringing the police early one morning to confess that she has shot her fourteen year old brother Nico. From there we meet the elderly local lawyer, Martine and eventually her criminal lawyer son, Julian Dumont who she enlists to help her with Nora's defence.

Julian and the girl's mother, Angie, were once a couple. They share a tragic past that has defined the trajectory of their lives. Now Angie, who has had way more than her fair share of tragedy in her life, must come to terms that her beloved son is dead and her daughter is incarcerated after she confessed to his murder.

My heart bled for the young and vulnerable Nora Sheehan.  Despite Julian Dumont's best efforts on her behalf, her fate seems predetermined by the D.A., a man who has a 'tough on crime' agenda to further his own career prospects. She is grieving for her brother Nico. She is isolated from her family and friends so has no support system. She is ultimately lost and bewildered by what her life has become.

There are several chapters devoted to the early lives of Nora's mother Angie, when she was a young artist living in New York with Julian Dumont. These chapters shed light on the myriad factors that have led these characters to the devastating and complicated situation that they now find themselves in.

The novel explores what it really means to forgive and the corrosive nature that guilt can have on a life. How the worst thing we have ever done need not define our entire lives going forward.

An unrelentingly realistic novel that is the very opposite of uplifting, it made me wonder for the umpteenth time at the inherent unfairness of some people's lives.

The expert narration by the talented Thérèse Plummer added greatly to my enjoyment of the book. There were times when she was reading the reminiscences of the characters, that I could actually hear the smile in her voice.

This stunning and memorable debut novel left me emotionally drained. It clearly illuminated the serious flaws in the American justice system especially as it pertains to young offenders. The book's heavy subject matter might not appeal to some readers, but the eloquent writing makes the novel well worth reading. A remarkable and intelligent debut novel.

4.5 stars rounded up

A shocking murder shatters a family in a small Colorado mountain town. This is an emotional gut wrenching story that alternates past and present narratives that explore secrets, guilt, lies and most importantly the power of forgiveness.

This is an extremely thought provoking book. I am still left reeling. I cannot imagine being in the circumstances that are characters find themselves in, it was devastating. This is well written but I was left wanting answers and more resolution. Maybe that is the point. I was just left feeling empty. Regardless this is an impressive debut. So much to think about.

The audiobook was narrated very well and brought the characters to life.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐️

Rating 4

Review:

This is a beautifully tragic story that gets you thinking deeply about right, wrong and the vast expanse of gray in-between. The characters all feel very real, They are constantly making questionable choices that the reader (at least me) would not make themselves. One of the characters we follow is a thirteen year old girl who is incarcerated for shooting her brother. I found this storyline very intriguing because for the majority of the book the "why" is unclear and we are challenged to think that it doesn't matter, The "what" is more important. I found that very difficult because it goes against human nature which is always to question the why of all things. Being asked leave that question behind leaves more room to concentrate on what is happening in the story and consider the bigger ideas the text explores such as the what is true forgiveness and to remind us that all of our choices have consequences beyond ourselves. They radiate out to effect our friends, family and even the society at large.

I generally liked the book, although a little dark so I suggest being in the right headspace for this one but then give it a try.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free listen on Audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb:

For readers of Ann Patchett and Celeste Ng, Penitence is a poignant exploration of love and forgiveness. It’s a suspenseful, addictive page-turner filled with literary insight that compels readers to consider whether the worst thing we’ve ever done is all that defines us.

When a shocking murder occurs in the home of Angie and David Sheehan, their lives are shattered. Desperate to defend their family, they turn to small-town lawyer Martine Dumont for help, but Martine isn’t just legal counsel―she’s also the mother of Angie’s first love, Julian, a now-successful New York City criminal defense attorney. As Julian and Angie confront their shared past and long-buried guilt from a tragic accident years ago, they must navigate their own culpability and the unresolved feelings between them.

Spanning decades, from the ski slopes of rural Colorado to the streets of pre-9/11 New York City and back again, Kristin Koval’s debut novel Penitence is an examination of the complexities of familial loyalty, the journey of redemption, and the profound experience of true forgiveness.

Angie and David's life is destroyed when a crime is committed by one of their children. They turn to the one lawyer in their small town for help, who happens to be the mother of Angie's high school sweetheart, Julian. Julian also gets involved in the case, since he's a criminal defense lawyer in New York. This brings up some major things that happened in Angie and Julian's past.

I started out really invested and liking this one, but for me, it went downhill from there. A couple things happened that turned me off to this book that I don't want to spoil (I'd love to talk to someone who has read it) It's really not a surprise based on the synopsis that this is a sad, depressing book. It does make you think about mistakes, forgiveness, and children in the justice system.

I have no complaints about the audiobook. The narrator did a great job and it was well produced.

I really liked the characters, honestly. They felt real, and I was rooting for them the whole time. But as the story went on, I started to lose interest. The pacing was just... slow. I don’t know, maybe I was expecting things to pick up quicker, but it kind of dragged for me.

The deaths, though—wow. They were really hard to read about. They had this emotional punch that hit me, for sure. But even with those intense moments, the slow pacing just kept me from really diving in. I felt like I was always waiting for something to happen, but it didn’t come fast enough.

I wanted to be more invested, you know? The potential was there, especially with the characters and the emotional stuff going on, but the pacing just made it hard to stay hooked. It felt like it was always just a little too slow for me.

Penitence
By Kristin Koval
Pub Date: 1/28/25

I always love the @celadonbooks #readalongs, and the book was pretty dang good! I’m so grateful to them for my #gifted copy and while our chat was pretty quiet, I still love connecting with other readers especially with #CeladonReadsTogether

I thought the narration was exceptional. I felt they did a wonderful job of bringing this complex story to life.

This one had a lot of things to unpack. I'm not a massive fan of books that don’t tie things up neater than this. The ending bothered me for that reason. I don’t like that she doesn’t remember what happened. I was expecting that her brother asked her to do it but that never came up. I did enjoy the book though. I felt it was less about what happened to her brother but more about how they all ended up where they were and how they navigated their relationships after. I don’t know how I would feel or what I would do had I been in Angie’s position. As a mother it is devastating. You won't ever look at your child the same no matter what. I also felt that Angie’s back story didn’t warm me to her either and it was one of those books that kept me from connecting to anyone on a deep level and I kinda missed that.

It was brilliantly written and I don’t know if the author meant to keep you from investing in the characters so that you kept your eye on the family dynamics without picking a side… If they did then BRAVA! It was a risk but it was a clever one. It was heartbreaking and it definitely impacted in me in a way I didn’t expect.

🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

I was provided both an ARC and an ALC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

A family is destroyed when their son is murdered and the only suspect is his younger sister, Nora. Nora doesn't really remember what happened that night, and she isn't speaking to anyone. Her father seeks the aid of local lawyer Martine, who doesn't have experience with criminal cases but her son Julian is a criminal lawyer. We come to find out that all of the character's are interconnected as the story is told from different points of time from different characters perspectives.

Initially I was hooked and couldn't put this down, but as the book continued I realized this wasn't really a mystery or thriller as it was marketed. There is no big reveal or twist at the end and I felt mislead, the resolution is information we already know. The book is well written no doubt but it is not mysterious or thrilling as the story plays out, it is more of a family drama This book initially reminded me of DJ Palmers The Perfect Daughter where you weren't sure if the sister did it or if there was some medical diagnosis that was going to lead somewhere. There were initially some red herrings in the case that made me believe this was a thriller and something was going to come of Martine and Julian's investigation into Nora's behavior especially the mental illness. The book focuses more on the adults and their relationships and entanglements than it does on the actual investigation and trial. As the book unfolds we come to find that this was more of a story about family, forgiveness, grief, the human condition, and healing.

I did enjoy this, however I don't like it when I feel misled. I would have liked this much better had I known this was not a thriller. It is like ordering coffee and getting tea, I like both and consume both regularly, but when you get something you aren't expecting you don't like it as much. I did think Thérèse Plummer was an amazing narrator as always, she always does such a wonderful job.

What an amazing heart wrenching story of hope when hope is so out of reach.
The journey is fraught with one heartbreak after another with more baggage
than any one person should be expected to carry alone.
This is an amazing debut event. By Macmillan Audio with
Presentation by Narrator Therese Plummer .

Can’t believe this is a debut! The authors style reminds me of Laurie Frankel and This is How It Always Is or of Defendjng Jacob. By William Landay. This book is hard to read because of the content especially if you are a parent but it’s so good. It’s less about why Nora killed her brother but more about how it impacts the family and brings up long buried secrets and trauma. It’s feels very raw and genuine. It’s a very impressive debut. It’s a slow moving book but lacks a lot of emotional punches .

Thank you so much to @celadonbooks & @kristinkovalwriter for having me be a part of the Celadon Read Together of Penitence. I really enjoyed the experience and loved the zoom conversation last night between Kristin Koval and Amy Jo Burns.

Penitence is now OUT on bookshelves everywhere and it deserves to be read by everyone. I’m completely shocked that this is Kristin’s debut novel. This story was so wonderfully written and kept me wanting more with each page turn. It has so much packed into 300 pages but the main theme that I found myself thinking about long after I was done - is forgiveness. What does it take to forgive? I absolutely loved how the story brought us back in time, back to Angie and Julian’s relationship and its unfortunate demise while also keeping us in the present day while following along with Nora’s trial. The more we got to know all the characters (particularly Angie, David, Julian, and Martine) the more layers come to life. Each character is so deeply flawed in the decisions they make but all it made me think about is how humans in general are flawed no matter how hard you try not to be. My favorite was Martine!! I feel like I can keep going on with my review but really what I’m trying to say is that YOU NEED TO READ THIS.

Thank you to @macmillan.audio for the advanced listening copy. I’m not sure there was anyone more perfect to narrate this book than Therese Plummer. The emotion she was able to portray was mind blowing and added such a special experience in reading/listening to this story.

I truly can’t wait to read what’s next by Kristin Koval!

This was an emotional character driven novel. It is not really a mystery and definitely not a romance. It is realistic fiction leaning towards drama. There is a lot going on under the surface and a lot of history between the characters, but it never felt overdone.

I found some parts to be a little repetitive due to the nature of the story. Certain emotions and behaviors are repeated several times. This may add to the realism of the story, but it also slowed it down a bit for me occasionally.

The characters were well-developed and distinct. They each had their own personalities and thoughts; they didn't blend together at all. They were also well-rounded with each character having positive and negative attributes.

The overarching theme of this book is forgiveness, forgiving ourselves and others. It looks at how guilt can affect different people and relationships. I thought the way it played out was very believable. It was not wrapped up in a neat little bow and not all of your questions will be answered. But, it is satisfying nonetheless.

I received an audio copy of this book narrated by Thérèse Plummer and she did a really good job of making you feel the emotions of the mother even when you weren't sympathetic towards her. I know that sounds wrong, but the mother in the story was not always likable. Plummer added some additional depth to the characters with her narration.

Favorite Quote: You are more than the worst thing you’ve ever done.

Readers who appreciate character-driven stories that examine the human condition will find Penitence both thought-provoking and deeply moving. 4/5 stars.