Redefining Murder, Transforming Emotion

Discola's fabulously rich and compelling data tell a fascinating story about forgiving the unforgiveable: the murder of a loved one. This unique study moves beyond speculation based on normative expectations to explore the real pain and emotional transformations of those who have lived through this trauma. Drawing on symbolic interactionist theories, she meticulously unwinds the strands of affect, identity, language, and group interactions to describe the process of how people arrive at forgiveness-or not. Combining exceptionally readable text and the deeply interesting personal stories of those mourning a homicide loss, this book would make an excellent contribution to any course on social psychology, emotions, victimology, qualitative methods, or other related courses.-Dr. Linda Francis, Associate Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Criminology, Anthropology, and Sociology, Cleveland State University

This book uncovers important discoveries about the realities that people who have lost loved ones to homicide face after their lives are touched by tragedy. With these findings, we will be better able to serve those who have suffered in this way. Discola's insights initiate a truly open, non-judgmental conversation that is needed in our community. Having personally experienced the loss of a loved one to murder, I can speak to the need for such work from a unique, first-hand perspective. I can also speak as an advocate and confidant of many other individuals who have lost loved ones to murder. It is important that people be heard in "their language" and that we seek to understand as fully as possible the experiences of different people. This book allows us to do just that. -Marie Verzulli, Founder of Family & Friends of Homicide Victims; Victim Advocate

Discola does an incredible job taking something as complex as forgiveness and making comprehension effortless. Students will not want to put this book down, and it will leave them with a completely different outlook on what it means to forgive.

A great insight into the process to forgiving the unforgivable. Through extensive interviews with those who have lost loved ones to homicide, Discola initiates the conversation about different paths to forgiveness while sharing stories that deserve to be heard.-Andrea Awi, Graduate Student, Department of Sociology, California State University, Los Angeles

A definite must-read for anyone who has lost a loved one to homicide. Discola provides an eye-opening and stimulating view of how some people are able to forgive even under the most unlikely of circumstances. Throughout the book, she builds on each story, creating a refreshing opportunity for self-reflection. The more I read, the more I felt that personal growth is possible. To me, the book held hope.-Claudia Guerrero, Co-victim