Amity & Sorrow
The Road to Salvation
‘Amity & Sorrow,’ by Peggy Riley
“[A] shimmering first novel…. This delicately stitched, finely patterned and poetic novel suggests there is a tipping point at which human resilience disappears…. Riley has a gift for metaphor that gives this novel loft, and a rhythmic way of swinging from present to past.” Dylan Landis, New York Times Book Review
“Riley writes with a quiet lyricism…. the relationships [Amaranth and Amity] build there are genuinely moving.” John Williams, New York Times
“Once in a while a book comes along that can not only grip you but keep you thinking long after the last page. Enter Amity & Sorrow…. Perhaps it’s Riley’s experience as a playwright that brings the words of this novel to life and sets it apart as a stunningly original contemporary classic. Or maybe it is the remarkable characterisation and intense plot. Either way. I urge you to read Riley’s novel” Stylist Magazine (UK)
“This is an impressive and often pretty harrowing debut novel, whose strength and power explain why it has been chosen to launch a new literary imprint.” Daily Mail (UK)
“Fierce and disturbing…. A harsh but compassionate look at nature vs. nurture.” The Washington Examiner (US)
“Gripping…. a must-read for book lovers.” Ladies Home Journal (US)
“Amity & Sorrow, the debut novel for new imprint Tinder Press by Peggy Riley, explores the appeal of polygamous cults…” Fleur Macdonald, The Spectator (UK)
“Riley strips her story to an almost mythic essence without losing track of the details that ground it in a specific place and time. A sense of imminent danger coexists with an awareness of the possibility of healing, and the tension between horror and hope makes the novel hard to put down.” The Columbus Dispatch (US)
“Harrowing, suspenseful and insightful, this is a stunning meditation on innocence lost and good turned evil.” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio
Glamour Magazine, Book Club Inquisitor:
Polygamy, Faith & Amity & Sorrow in Los Angeles Times:
Paperback of the Week – Review in the Observer:
For more editorial reviews, please visit the Amazon page:
Peggy Riley 
As a survivor of domestic violence, I was both surprised and horrified as I realized how very similarly a cult leader and abusive partner manipulate the ones who are “chosen” – the ones they “love”. The parallels are frightening but seeing others in such a similar situation has given me a new perspective. Thank you for writing “Amity and Sorrow”
Thank you, Judi – I’m sorry to hear my book was familiar at all to you, but very grateful for your reading it. Thank you.
Amity and Sorrow is a page turner…I couldn’t wait to read what was going to happen next. This novel is so well written, I didn’t want it to end! I look forward to your next book.
Oh, thank you so very much – what a lovely comment to read!
i am reading your book right now it has been amazing so far but i am only on page 173 though
Thanks, Kortney – I hope you’ll keep going!
I came across your book by chance and let me tell you I am so happy I did. It’s caught my attention and hasn’t let it go. It’s rare for me to be consumed by a book but I find myself picking it up every chance I can get. I can’t wait to see how things play out. I look forward to any books you write in the future . Overall very beautifully written and detailed ! You’re amazing. Keep it up 💞
Ah, what a lovely thing to come across! Thank you for taking the time to leave your kind words here – they make such a difference to an author!