The Absolutist by John Boyne is a novel set in the aftermath of World War I, following the story of Tristan Sadler, a young soldier who is haunted by a dark secret from his time in the trenches. The book explores themes of friendship, love, guilt, and betrayal as Tristan seeks closure by revealing the truth to Will's sister Marian. Through Tristan's perspective, the reader is taken on a journey of self-discovery, reflecting on the horrors of war and the complexities of relationships during a tumultuous time in history. The writing style is described as intense, vivid, and distressing, providing a detailed portrayal of life and death in the trenches, while also delving into the emotional turmoil of the characters.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for The Absolutist include themes of war-related trauma, violence, execution of a soldier, and exploration of homosexuality in a repressive historical context.
Has Romance?
The novel features a medium level of romance, primarily focusing on the complex and often unfulfilled relationship between the protagonists.
From The Publisher:
"A moving and deeply felt tribute to a love that dared to speak its name." -André Aciman, author of Call Me by Your Name
It is September 1919, and twenty-one-year-old Tristan Sadler takes a train from London to Norwich to deliver a package of letters to the sister of Will Bancroft, the man he fought alongside during the Great War.
But the letters are not the real reason for Tristan's visit. He can no longer keep a secret and has finally found the courage to unburden himself of it. As he recounts the horrific details of what to him became a senseless war, he also speaks of his friendship with Will-from their first meeting on the training grounds at Aldershot to their farewell in the trenches of northern France. The intensity of their bond brought Tristan happiness and self-discovery as well as confusion and unbearable pain.
The Absolutist is a masterful, unforgettable tale of passion, jealousy, heroism, and betrayal set in one of the most gruesome trenches of France during World War I.
Ratings (2)
Incredible (2) |
Reader Stats (6):
Read It (2) | |
Want To Read (4) |
What can you read after
The Absolutist?
About the Author:
John Boyne was born in Ireland in 1971 and is the author of twelve novels for adults, most recently the New York Times bestseller The Heart's Invisible Furies, A Ladder to the Sky, and A Traveler at the Gates of Wisdom as well as six novels for…
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
