Into the Forest discussion

I'm looking for books or novellas that feature a strong redemption arc for the main character. It's important for me that the character at least show a clear path toward making amends at least. Regret, and a genuine attempt to fix what they broke would be awesome!

Fantasy, science fiction, horror, fairy tales preferred. If you know of a great book featuring a redemption arc that doesn't fit in those categories, I'd still like to hear about it.

Thank you!

Ozsaur wrote: "I'm looking for books or novellas that feature a strong redemption arc for the main character. It's important for me that the character at least show a clear path toward making amends at least. Reg..."

Only The Deluge by Henryk Sienkiewicz comes to my mind. It's a Polish Classic set in XVII century Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during Swedish Invasion. If you enjoy adventure books in the vein of Alexandre Dumas, this one may be up in your alley. Sienkiewicz received a Nobel prize for literature in 1905 (it's often assumed the committee awarded him for Quo Vadis, which isn't true by the way. This book also features strong character development). And in the name of all gods of bookworms, may they protect anyone that decides to read Curtin's translation. He didn't speak Polish at all!

The book itself is a part of the so-called Trilogy, but can be read as a standalone. The protagonist is really nasty piece of cake whose only redeeming traits are his love for Aleksandra Billewiczówna and loyalty. The whole point of the second part of the book is his journey toward redemption.

And it has one of the most iconic scenes (sadly I only found a subbed version with commentary) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR4y9...

Asaria wrote: "Only The Deluge by Henryk Sienkiewicz comes to my mind. It's a Polish Classic set in XVIII century Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during Swedish Invasion.

Thank you so much for the recommendation! I'll check it out. :-)

I feel like I'm sure to know some.

Feral Creatures does, but it's the second book in a series, and the first book doesn't.

When the Reckoning Comes sorta does. The main character feels bad for a relationship she let fail in the past, and tries to make amends to that character. It's horror.

White Smoke might be a good example, there are several things the main character has done wrong in the past, and over the course of the novel, she tries to make amends with. Another horror.

Hmm. But none of these are like, "I killed everyone I know, I need to make amends now."

The Bone Shard Daughter has a couple of redemption arcs.

Ozsaur wrote: "I'm looking for books or novellas that feature a strong redemption arc for the main character. It's important for me that the character at least show a clear path toward making amends at least. Reg..."


Several Charles De Lint books have this theme. I'll try and remember which ones they are and get back to you!

Margaret wrote: "I feel like I'm sure to know some.

Feral Creatures does, but it's the second book in a series, and the first book doesn't.

When the Reckoning Comes sorta does. Th..."

I have Feral Creatures on my TBR! The other books look cool, so I'll check them out.

Thank you for the recs! :-)

Jalilah wrote: Several Charles De Lint books have this theme.

I haven't read Charles De Lint in years, even though I like his writing. Looking forward to any recs you come up with.

Off hand I think The Onion Girl. Memory and Dream both have this theme. The later can definitely be read as a stand alone. If I remember correctly The Wind in His Heart also deals with redemption somewhat

Jalilah wrote: "Off hand I think The Onion Girl. Memory and Dream both have this theme. The later can definitely be read as a stand alone. If I remember correctly [book:The Wind in His ..."

These look awesome! Thank you! I'll keep an eye out for them.