This is a great book that opens one's understanding to what true repentance (penance) looks like. It does this by showing us healthy and godly repentance (based on the Bible) and unfolding its real purpose. It demonstrates a salutary approach that avoids setbacks that can come from wrong understanding, or methods, or exercises that are too harsh. The book is not a theological book. However, it does give insight into the role of our flesh and our spirit in the battle for sanctification/salvation - and the directional role that our will has in guiding us to new heights. The book's overarching view is that we should embrace penance as does the serious Christian engage the life of prayer. One caveat however: spiritual dullness often makes for reading spiritual material less fruitful, if not dull. Praying to the Lord for an awakened mind and an open heart can remedy this along with reading the book a second time (many times indifference is turned into joyful satisfaction when applying these remedies). ( )