In this Book
- Act of Contrition
- Book
- 2014
- Published by: The University Press of Kentucky
Act of Contrition focuses on the intimate relationship between Regina, a widow, and Michael, a young doctor whose wife left him for another man. Having found happiness in one another, they desire nothing more than to be together. Yet in the eyes of the Catholic Church, Michael is not free to divorce his wife and marry Regina. In an emotional climax Regina must decide if she loves Michael enough to give him up or if she'll force him to choose between her and God.
By modern standards, Giles's love scenes are tasteful, and the general atmosphere of ecumenism within today's Catholic Church renders moot many of the tensions in the novel. Yet in 1957 Giles's agent and publisher feared the work would cause "irreparable harm" to her reputation. As late as 1972 Giles was revising in the hopes of seeing the novel published. Finally her wish is fulfilled.
Janice Holt Giles (1905-1979), author of nineteen books, lived and wrote near Knifley, Kentucky, for thirty-four years. Her biography is Janice Holt Giles: A Writer's Life.
Table of Contents
- Chapter 10
- pp. 101-112
- Chapter 11
- pp. 113-119
- Chapter 12
- pp. 120-132
- Chapter 13
- pp. 133-143
- Chapter 14
- pp. 144-152
- Chapter 15
- pp. 153-163
- Chapter 16
- pp. 164-171
- Chapter 17
- pp. 172-182
- Chapter 18
- pp. 183-192
- Chapter 19
- pp. 193-203
- Chapter 20
- pp. 204-219
- Chapter 21
- pp. 220-234
- Chapter 22
- pp. 235-245
- Chapter 23
- pp. 246-254