I’ve spent the last year or so thinking a lot about forgiveness. Questions like what makes a genuine apology? Is forgiveness about the transgressor, the transgression, or the self? How does one forgive if hurt is still present? There is small forgiveness and big sweeping forgiveness, but is some of it acceptance vs forgiveness?
I’d love any book recommendations that explore this theme. Ideally a novel, but I’m open to NF for the right book.
Thanks!
by Salt_Type_8032
7 Comments
Atonement by Ian McEwan
This is an awesome question, I hope I get to see some actual responses with fiction books that explore these questions. The only suggestion I have is the show The Redemption Project, where they would have inmates and their victims/families have actual conversations as part of a restorative justice program. It’s borderline reality TV but it feels very authentic and does get to the themes you are asking about.
I can recommend a few along these lines and which may not be definitely suitable but which may contribute towards your thinking…
The Sun Does Shine
Just Mercy
Tattoos on the Heart
Music Through the Dark – A tale of survival in Cambodia
Man’s Search for Meaning
The Glass Castle
The Good House by Tananarive Due
Firefax by A.M. Vergara explores this theme beautifully and in very surprising ways.
Five Ways to Forgiveness by Ursula K Le Guin is a brilliant fiction book on this theme. Highly recommended.
Chekhov – The Duel.