Pain Unforgiven

by Randy Pierce

Grant Hicks, thirty seven years old and a partner in an Atlanta law firm, has managed to escape his past. Almost. While preparing for an upcoming trial, his long-time secretary interrupts him with a phone call. It is Elsie Smallwood calling from Grant's hometown. Greene County is a place to which Grant vowed never to return. For almost twenty years, he has been successful in avoiding his past. However, Elsie's unexpected phone call sends him back to the place that harbors painful memories. When he arrives, he finds a community in need of healing and a dying friend's desire for the pain of others to be released. Grant's journey is a testament to individual and communal redemption and to the good - and bad - within all people. Through lovable characters and unexpected twists of events, Grant and the place he calls home are finally able to confront the painful past. And by doing so, each comes face to face with Pain Unforgiven.

Genres: Fiction

358 pages, Hardcover

First published May 2, 2011

Reviews

[Randy Pierce]

Of course, I had to give my own novel five stars! I have learned a lot since writing the book, and I continue to work hard to improve my writing. My second novel, Magnolia Mud, is finished and a publisher is interested (yay!). But first, I must make revisions. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Pain Unforgiven, with its imperfections, will always be dear to my heart. I am in love with the setting and the characters. I had hoped readers would "feel" the story of Pain Unforgiven as they read it. And they have. I have received many emails and letters from readers who were touched deeply by its story. I only printed 2,500 hardcover editions and they are, for the most part, gone. The book will remain in e-book format, however. Perhaps one day I will take what I have learned and revise Pain Unforgiven and release a second edition. Until then, I hope you enoy the story.

[Patty Bessmer]

Actually done as a book club selection. Overall impression was not positive. Simplistic writing and storylines wrapped up a bit to neatly or abruptly. Never did answer the question that starts the entire story.

[Tara Woodward]

This was a really good book about judgement and forgiveness.

[Michele]

Randy Pierce is a compelling storyteller who weaves a page-turning tale full of literary qualities that make Pain Unforgiven a wonderful novel. His characters are endearing and complex as they reside in a descriptive setting the author conveys through his own authority as a Mississippi native. The journey of the story’s protagonist, Grant Hicks, back to his hometown in Greene County, Mississippi is one of confrontation with a past he had tried to escape. When the request of a dying childhood friend beckons Grant’s return, he is met by a town in need of healing from its previous assumptions, judgment, and wrong-doing toward an innocent man. As the reader travels with Grant on a journey of confrontation with his own past, the theme of forgiveness and redemption in his personal life is paralleled beautifully with the collective healing of the community. Randy PiercePain Unforgiven

[Lucy]

This was one of the better books that I've read simply because you were so happy to meet the people that Pierce created to tell this story. I grew up in south Mississippi, so I was happy to read about familiar places and destinations, but the world Pierce created here is one I wanted to stay in much longer. His writing reminds me of a masculine Fannie Flagg, in that I still remember the people she brought to life in her stories. They seemed real to me. I know people like Jade and Grant and the sheriff.

The issues of prejudice, bigotry and family were all addressed in a powerful story that left you thinking maybe a new day is coming in Mississippi. Maybe things really can change.

[Ginger]

A life lesson true to embrace. About a man who tried to runaway from his past, an endearing friendship from pain to faithfulness, a community's prejudice, acceptance, Southern traditions, a love story and so much more. It's always fun to read about a place you know first hand and can put an image with the setting.

My brother was selling at his store, a setting in the book. My mom bought one and curiosity Killed the cat.

[Brittany Herrin]

Amazing book!

[Rae]

Great book based in MS small town.

[Steve Hansen]

Good story. Very predictable but still glad that I read it. Very much of a feel good story. Lessons to be learned and taught.