Intriguing and Inspiring, August 12, 2002
Reviewer: "enfantsterrible" (Chicago, ILUnited States)
I plowed through this book in about 2 days because I couldn't put it down. If you are sensitive at all Redemption will evoke a strongemotional response from you. If you are completely insensitive then perhaps it will soften your heart. Either way, this is a book that makes you FEEL. Through the personal struggles of the main characters (Sol, Mirabella, Katrina, Saskia, etc...) Emma Farry illuminates the sacrifice and pain endured when people erect walls around themselves. The will to overcome and amend the past, to break down the walls and to have the strength to live life is what propels this bittersweet yet hopeful and insightful tale. A tremendous debut that is truly written from the heart.

AMAZING!!, June 13, 2002
Reviewer: p.henry (Brooklyn, NY)
Wow, this book I could not put down. Ms. Farry's detail and emotions are felt through out the entire book. You are right there with the people feeling their pain and their joy...for a first time author Emma Farry is the next in line with Toni Morrison, J California Cooper the only other authors (i think) that takes you inside the characters soul so we the reader can see the "whys". Bravo Emma for taking us to a truth many of us forget about . Thank you Face2Face for your insight on this author!

Inspiring and thought provoking, June 10, 2002
Reviewer: A reader
This book is a source of inspiration to us all, particularly in this time of uncertainty and questions where we struggle to understand our actions and the actions of others and what it ultimately means for all of us. I highly recommend REDEMPTION as well as VOICES OF BROOKLYN: WRITINGS FROM THE WOMEN OF COLOR WRITERS' WORKSHOP, to which Emma Farry also contributed.

Fully brilliant --- buy it, June 4, 2002
Reviewer: A reader
A wonderfully gracious, compelling book about a families long and dark journey in search of truth and reconciliation. Will the trip back from the darkness tear families apart, as some want, or the contrary? Cowering, evil characters, deeply intense, insane and hilarious ones, all combining somehow to help teach us some lessons.  Was totally in to it, read it in three days, not bad for a male, "sorry, I'd prefer not to read fiction if I can possibly help it".

A highly recommended tale of true hope and renewal, June 3, 2002
Reviewer: Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
Emma Farry's Redemption is a superbly written novel set in New YorkLondon, about Solomon Cortesi, an ordinary man who must travel to understand and free himself and his family from a curse that has brought suffering for over a century. A powerful saga, seen and related largely through the eyes of the women who are close to the enduring protagonism, Redemption is a highly recommended tale of true hope and renewal.

Illuminating, May 24, 2002
Reviewer: “tjc newyork” (New York, New YorkUnited States)
Reading "Redemption" is like taking a journey on two parallel planes: the present and the hyper-real. The journey is complex: vibrant and full of joy and dark and despondent. I met the author a few years ago and I find that the novel mirrors her personality: beautiful, insightful, illuminating!

Emotional journey, May 16, 2002
Reviewer: Folami Iderabdullah (Graduate Student, University of Chapple Hill)
The book was good because it was different yet the same. About a guy (Solomon Cortesi) and his family's past and how it affected their future together. It wasn't totally predictable which is good, and it was realistic while also involving some mystical/unexplained elements such as the curse that was on the men in Solomon's family from his father's side. It was mostly about relationships between different people and how different things affected the relationships. I also liked it because it had many different cultural aspects included. It doesn't just focus on American culture but explored/blended many including: Afri-Carribean culture, New Zealand culture, Lebanese culture, European Culture, White American culture, Turkish and others. She is a very expressive and vivid writer and it all comes together happy, happy in the end.

Redemption by Emma Farry, May 15, 2002
Reviewer: A reader
'Redemption' is the next best seller for sure. I couldn't put it down! The story takes you on a wonderful journey through the highs and lows of family - secrets, loves, losses. Emma Farry's writing style is superb and the way she depicts her characters and allows the story to unfold is magical. Although the book deals with some tough issues, she has written about them from the heart and this certainly shines through. I thoroughly recommend this book, and look forward to her next!

EMMA FARRY - START YOUR NEXT BOOK!, May 14, 2002
Reviewer: jen (NYC, NY)
redemption is an ABSOLUTELY wonderful read! i am pretty hard to please when it comes to books, but i read redemption in 3 days (says a lot since i have no time to do much of anything aside from teaching!)...as soon as i got on the subway or on a bus, i would immediately flip to the page i left off on...emma farry is such an engaging writer! i couldn't stop reading, and i found (as with all good books i read), that i was sad that it was over and now i just want to read more and more of farry's writing...so...ms. farry, please get started on another! :) what a complex story (i will leave it at that because i don't want to give anything away). read this book now and you will see why i was so wrapped up in it! THANKS FACE TO FACE PRESS for bringing such wonderful writers/books to the forefront!

A Poetic Read, May 14, 2002
Reviewer: Danielle L’Heureux (Brooklyn, New York)
REDEMPTION draws upon many sources in characters' lives to create deep emotional perspective and understanding. All who have parted from a true love will feel the simultaneous pain, personal growth, and healing in this story. Kudos to EMMA FARRY for her honesty and beautifully descriptive style in her first published novel!