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A review by sidekicksam
Penance by Eliza Clark
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A girl has been set on fire by three school friends, resulting in her death. Almost ten years after the fact, after the rise of the true crime podcast, a journalist is diving into the story by interviewing relatives and friends of the victim and the perpetrators. The mystery surrounding Joan's death and the obscurity of the case due to the media's preoccupation with the Brexit Referendum at the time of her death makes it an interesting case to investigate. But how much of the truth does he uncover?
I buddy-read this with Vera, and damn, did it make for some interesting discussion!
An intensely slow burn, this book takes its sweet time uncovering all the details.
In terms of creating suspense and intrigue, Eliza Clark does a masterful job. The book is definitely a page-turner, but
It is an excellent work of criticism on the fanaticism about true crime stories, and how the families of both victims and perpetrators are exploited for the sake of sensational stories. The insensitivity of the journalists and, even worse, the podcasters was portrayed so well.
But it is also an account of obsessions, internet fandoms, teenage loneliness, social media as a breeding ground for radicalization, and the oppressive feel of living and aging in a small town.
I loved this, and am very curious to read more by Eliza Clark.
Graphic: Death, Child death, Fire/Fire injury, Bullying, and Mass/school shootings