"It is a well plotted family tale that manages to weave multiple narratives together without being overwhelming or busy. "
Faith is at the heart of this family centred novel. Forgiven is the 4th Novel in the Covo Family Saga. In this novel we follow the family as they are all at a crossroads. Nicky is left in turmoil by the filing of a malpractice suit of a patient he had brief contact with who committed suicide. His wife, Helen, is struggling to face the deterioration of her daughter as her cancer returns.
Kayla, Nicky’s daughter can’t seem to find inspiration for her composing, and is torn about what to do about a potential romantic match. Her brother Max is working to establish himself as a lawyer, the stress of his work life making him question his future. Although predominantly orthodox Jewish, most of the family journey to Greece to reunite with Nicky’s Christian sister, Theodora, and hope time spent in the nun’s presence and at her Orthodox Christian Monastery will help them find answers.
I haven’t read the previous books in this series and as I was reading I did have the feeling that I was being introduced to events that have been told in more detail before. While I think that there is sufficient in this story to read it as a standalone, I think that you would have a greater connection with and understanding of the characters if you started with book one.
Faith is a predominant part of this storyline, with the Covo family’s Jewish traditions and beliefs appearing throughout as a rail in which to guide them during their difficult moments. It was interesting to see how their faith was balanced with the Christian practices while at the monastery and I felt like they coexisted well.
Even Nicky’s atheism was acknowledged, though he was perhaps most expected to accommodate the others’ practices. As an atheist, I liked that the writing makes the religious references accessible, I was able to learn and follow along without extensive exposition to explain. This is a very character focused story that highlights the theme of growth.
Throughout Forgiven, each character has obstacles to overcome, with loss, doubt and questions of identity, ethics and values that will shape each future. It is a well plotted family tale that manages to weave multiple narratives together without being overwhelming or busy. The pacing allows for each perspective and story to breathe before moving to the next.
An interesting read, I’m sure fans of the series will be keen to find out about the Covo family’s story.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading Ambassador
Every family has its own peculiar difficulties, and all family members have their own peculiar struggles. So, too, with the Covo family. Nicky Covo, a Holocaust survivor and Brooklyn psychiatrist, is shattered by the filing of a malpractice lawsuit against him by the family of a young man who committed suicide.
| Primary Genre | Indie Author Books |
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Every family has its own peculiar difficulties, and all family members have their own peculiar struggles. So, too, with the Covo family.
Forgiven: A Novel features in the following genres: Indie Author Books, Indie Books We Love, Literary Fiction
Paperback. Not Available.
Forgiven: A Novel was written by Bruce J. Berger and published by Black Rose Writing
