Book Review: Penance by Eliza Clark
Isn’t it fascinating how a second chance can lead you down unexpected paths? When Eliza Clark’s sophomore novel, Penance, arrived in my inbox via NetGalley, I had a mix of excitement and trepidation. Being honest, I struggled with her debut, Boy Parts, and had almost written her off. But here we are, and I’m so glad I decided to dive in again—sometimes novels find us precisely when we need them.
At the heart of Penance lies the shocking true-crime-inspired tale of sixteen-year-old Joan Wilson, who suffers an unimaginable fate at the hands of her peers. The opening scene, where Joan is horrifically set on fire after enduring hours of torture, sets a dark yet compelling tone that truthfully left me breathless. It’s a harrowing introduction that immediately piques curiosity about how we reach such depths of human cruelty.
The narrative is framed through the lens of a disgraced journalist who becomes obsessed with the story after hearing about it on a podcast. His journey to Crow-on-Sea, interviewing those affected—the victim’s family, the perpetrators, and friends—provides layers of complexity. Clark brilliantly builds tension as he dives into the girls’ social media footprints, illuminating their tangled emotions and minds. While the true-crime aesthetic is captivating, it’s the fictional backdrop that adds an engaging twist, making the story feel eerily real and thought-provoking.
However, the book isn’t without its imperfections. For me, the pacing dragged in certain areas, particularly during historical digressions about the town that felt extraneous. I found myself wishing these details were trimmed, allowing for more focus on the core narrative. Similarly, while I understand the importance of social media in depicting the characters’ psyches, the abundance of posts sometimes overwhelmed me. As a self-proclaimed "dinosaur," I struggled to keep up with the acronyms, and I reasoned that a leaner approach may have enriched the narrative.
Despite these bumps, the ending was a standout for me—divisive, yes, but it carried a profound weight that made it feel deliberate and impactful. Clark’s ability to weave tension and intrigue is praiseworthy, and I found myself questioning the nature of truth and the haunting complexities of young womanhood long after the last page.
In conclusion, I’d recommend Penance for those interested in dark themes, psychological depth, and a narrative that challenges the reader’s perceptions of truth. While it may not be a perfect offering, it’s a significant step forward for Clark and a compelling exploration of friendship, trauma, and accountability. If you’re willing to navigate some murky waters and appreciate complex narratives, this book just might resonate with you. Overall, I clocked in at a solid 3.5 stars—not without its flaws, but a captivating journey worth taking. Thank you, NetGalley and Harper, for the opportunity to explore this twisted tale.