Forgiveness as a Catalyst for Personal Transformation in Mitch Albom’s

Abstract

In The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom, forgiveness emerges as a transformative force that liberates individuals from the burdens of regret, guilt, and resentment. Through the interconnected stories of Dor, Sarah, and Victor, Albom illustrates how forgiveness, both of oneself and others, enables emotional healing and personal growth. Dor, the immortal Father Time, learns to forgive his past mistakes and embrace the fleeting nature of human existence. Sarah, a troubled teenager, struggles with self-forgiveness, while Victor, a dying billionaire, seeks redemption for his selfish pursuits. Albom’s narrative underscores that forgiveness is essential for transcending temporal suffering and finding peace. Ultimately, The Time Keeper suggests that time’s true value lies not in its measurement but in the compassion and forgiveness that make life meaningful. This paper situates Albom’s fable within psychological, theological, and literary discourses to demonstrate how Dor, Sarah Lemon, and Victor Delamonte undergo radical change when they relinquish resentment, accept grace, and forgive themselves, others, and ultimately time itself.