Writing about the Unforgivable
When I’m writing a novel, I always identify its theme. Sometimes, it takes some digging to uncover the overarching message of the story. Other times – as it did with Strangers in the Villa – the theme readily presents itself. What is forgivable? That was the central question in my mind as I wrote about Sydney and Curtis, a couple who’ve moved to a remote house in Spain to repair their marriage after an infidelity. The pair have gone to therapy, renewed their commitment to each other, and vowed to rebuild their relationship. But when a pair of travelers shows up at the door and Sydney invites them in, boundaries are crossed, lies are told, and horrifying secrets are revealed. These characters must grapple with what they’re able to forgive. And what actions they deem worthy of vengeance.
Forgiveness – or lack thereof – is often a theme in crime fiction. Betrayals between friends, family, lovers, or partners frequently form the plot of thrillers and mysteries. Some actions can be forgiven, secrets kept and crimes covered up. But some behavior is too reprehensible, too evil, and can only be met with revenge. Here are five crime novels I love that explore the concept of forgiveness.
Told backwards, Swanson takes us through the years of a marriage – the good, the bad, and the ugly, revealing the terrible act that has bound this couple together, and led to Wendy’s murderous plan. It’s an intriguing unraveling of a relationship, and an insightful exploration of decisions that haunt a marriage and prove impossible to forgive.
In this frank and unsettling novel, two sets of parents face off against each other – one who has forgiven their child for the unthinkable; and another who will stop at nothing to avenge their child’s death.
That’s when she makes a shocking allegation that destroys her sister, her parents, and reshapes their entire lives. It takes decades for the devastating truth to come out, and when it does, the question of forgiveness will ripple through the sisters, their families, and two communities on either side of the Atlantic. Nugent handles this delicate topic with insight and finesse.
Forgiveness is a core theme in Audrain’s literary novel about female friendships, envy, marriage and motherhood. Will the young mother ever forgive herself for what happened to her son? And if the boy survives, will he forgive his mother for what she’s done? The last line of this novel gives me chills to this day.
Discover the Book
High above the Mediterranean, Sydney and Curtis are working on the isolated property and their relationship when a pair of Australian travelers turns up at their door in dire need of help. Lonely for companionship and desperate for free labor, Sydney and Curtis invite the attractive young couple to stay. But as the days pass, dark secrets come to light, the Lowes’ bond is tested, and not everyone will leave the villa alive.
