Assessment:

Plot/Idea: After a mysterious, violent disease all but destroys humanity, an unlikely duo of New Yorkers flee the city and try to navigate the 'new' world–complete with heartbreak, redemption, and the possible rebuilding of the human race.

Prose: Lehman's prose is descriptive and captures the relationship between two strangers at the end of the world in a thoughtful manner. However, at times, he does lose the reader's interest with excessive prose that throws off the pace of the action.

Originality: A plague of violence that destroys all but the dregs of humanity is not an original storyline–though there are no zombies or respiratory diseases here. But despite its somewhat familiar plot, Lehman still manages to create an entertaining, largely fast-paced, read.

Character/Execution: The two main characters, Will and Jesse, are the heart of Penitence, and their relationship is largely well written. The supporting cast–whether fleeting encounters or more permanent companions–also adds depth and helps to break up the (sometimes grating) monotony of Will and Jesse's conversations and petty arguments.

Date Submitted: June 27, 2024