Forgive Me by Amanda Eyre Ward

Nadine Morgan has travelled as a journalist to some of the world's most dangerous places. When she is injured in Mexico on assignment, she comes home to Nantucket where she grew up. The attack has shaken some of her confidence, but when she reads that an American couple, the Irvings, are going to South Africa for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearing for their son's killer it dredges up the memories she has of being a reporter in South Africa ten years ago during apartheid. She realizes that she must go back to South Africa and report on this story. Going against her doctor's advice, she arrives there determined to have the Irvings tell their story. Instead, she is immersed in her past and this leads her to help make some decisions about her future. I really love the way that Ward presents the story and she is one of my favorite writers. Her books are a bit like Anne Tyler, although Ward's three novels deal with serious topics (apartheid, prison, and a child kidnapping) along with domestic issues. It also reminded me of Black and White by Dani Shapiro.