Book Review "Penitence" by Kristin Koval

"Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." - Bryan Stevenson

This quote presages the crux of a central theme of "Penitence," a novel by Kristin Koval and helps explain the book's title.

Penitence is regret that rises to the level of sorrow. Sometimes it leads to penance which fuels action that is aimed at restorative justice, at reconciliation, and perhaps forgiveness.

Koval asks t...