It is such a pleasure to read this refreshing account of forgiveness grounded in an understanding of the rights of individuals as relational beings. I gained a new and valuable understanding of the good life from Court D. Lewis: one that advances a case for our eirenic rights to the fulfillment of basic needs that sometimes include forgiveness. Everyone interested in relational ethics, moral psychology, or human capabilities should read this book. Forgiveness may, at times, be fundamentally necessary to happiness.

Kathryn J. Norlock, Trent University

Lewis makes a clear and compelling argument for the obligation to offer forgiveness to wrongdoers by showing that forgiveness is a necessary life-good for those who apologize and repent. His rights-based framework provides an excellent response to the objection that requiring victims to forgive wrongdoers is repugnant.

Gregory L. Bock, University of Texas at Tyler