'This terrific debut from a former lawyer announces the arrival of a formidable new talent' DAILY MAIL
This story begins with a shocking act of violence but unfolds into a tender story of family, long-held secrets, and what ifs. Penitence is both a gripping page-turner and a loving exploration of what it really means to forgive Mary Beth Keane, bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes and The Half Moon
Penitence, riveting as a thriller, is a wise and profound novel. After a shocking tragedy unfolds in a small Colorado community, those intimately affected must grapple with their limitations and their buried histories. Kristin Koval relays their stories with great wisdom and compassion in this remarkable debut Claire Messud, bestselling author of The Emperors Children and This Strange Eventful History
Big-hearted, bold, and deftly plotted, Penitence tells a shocking tale of fratricide against the backdrop of two families linked by love, chance, and tragedy. I couldnt put it down. Kristin Koval emerges as a remarkable new voice in fiction Adrienne Brodeur, bestselling author of Little Monsters and Wild Game
Deeply humane, spiky, yearning, heartfelt, rendered in brisk and often stunning prose, Kristin Kovals Penitence poses so many rich and complicated questions about where and how guilt lives Lynn Steger Strong, author of Flight
Kristin Kovals prose is crisp and readable and insightful . . . Penitence will grab you on its first page and hold you tight until the end Laura Spence-Ash, author of Beyond That, the Sea
'A truly outstanding debut . . . A moving, layered tale of love, forgiveness and long buried secrets' Prima
'A poignant story . . . This novel is a tender, character-driven exploration of love and consequence' Woman's Own
Gripping and propulsive, Kristin Kovals Penitence is an exploration of the struggles and impossible choices of two families linked by tragedy, guilt, blame and love The Washington Post
A propulsive, deftly woven story of loss and forgiveness People
Koval maintains the pacing of a thriller while going deep on themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the toll of keeping secrets. Readers wont be able to look away Publishers Weekly
While exploring the complexities of personal and family relationships, this engrossing, emotionally charged novel also examines the way forgiveness comes from acceptance that each one of us is more than the worst weve ever done. An intelligent, deftly crafted suspense debut Kirkus
Fans of Little Fires Everywhere will appreciate this deeply moving novel about what it takes to let go of guilt and find redemption. Kovals background in law lends realism to her image of Americas broken criminal justice system, and her prose poignantly exposes what it takes to find forgiveness Booklist
The tension of a suspense novel and the gravitas of a family tragedy . . . [ an] uncommonly impressive debut novel Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
