TRWR: What burning questions, observations, or comments do you want to share?

I have enjoyed all of Krueger’s books, every stand alone book and the Cork O’Connor series. (TRWR is not my favorite of his stand alone books. That designation goes to “Ordinary Grace”).

The theme of forgiveness, especially forgiveness of oneself, runs through all of his stories. I think it is what makes his characters so interesting and nuanced. They manage to do generous and heroic things despite their flaws and maybe as part of their wish for forgiveness, as though that is something earned. Both Noah and Brody come to mind.

Louise Penny places forgiveness at the center of her writing as well. Maybe that is part of what it takes to develop a good murder mystery!

I am grateful for this discussion and for all of the comments and perspectives that aded to my appreciation.

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 1 day ago by Jane Baechle.

This is the first of Krueger’s standalone books that I’ve read. I enjoyed it overall. As always, Krueger has interesting and empathetic characters. He has a gift in making the reader care for them. The plot for TRWR seemed less of a mystery to me and more of a snapshot of a small town trying to heal from the ravages of war. I think you touched on the primary theme of the novel – forgiveness – Jane. People grapple with giving it, receiving it, and understanding it. Enjoyed your insights (and yours too Nancy) – they brought to light several things I hadn’t thought about, which I always love in a good book discussion.

I agree with both of your comments, Tara and Jane. I think the issue of forgiveness, kindness and acceptance of others which I see present in William Kent Krueger’s and Louise Penny’s writing plus their writing styles make them my two favorite authors. In the video that was posted, William Kent Krueger spoke of “writers who write out of a sense of place.” I think that identified both WKK and LP. Of Krueger’s stand alone novels, I enjoyed the last two more than Ordinary Grace.

• This reply was modified 3 weeks ago by Nancy Herrington.