The Absolutist: A Novel by John Boyne

(Thank you to Other Press for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

A new edition of the beloved novel most similar thematically to the author’s mega-bestseller The Heart’s Invisible Furies

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.

my thoughts:

Love, love, love. What a beautiful story by John Boyne. The Absolutist was excellent. The writing was superb and the characters were truly unforgettable. I found myself unable to put this book down for anything - it tugged so hard on my heart and had me savoring every word. I just loved it.

Tristan is on a train headed to deliver letters to the sister of a man he fought alongside with during WWI.  A man named Will.  Tristan also plans on revealing a secret.  He's decided to finally share the truth about a secret he's kept for quite some time. Through his story we learn about the ugly, brutal truth of war; training camp and life in the trenches in France. We also learn about Will and Tristan's friendship - they develop an immediate connection and soon find themselves fighting side by side in the war. Tristan falls for Will, and although it appears that Will feels the same, we are always left wondering about Will. As for the war itself, well, it becomes apparent that Will no longer wishes to fight in the war. In fact, he lays down his weapons, which leads to disastrous results. All I will say is that this story was tender, heartbreaking, and beautiful.  

Boyne has created a story that explores war and love in such a realistic and honest way, that you can't help but fall in deep with it. I found myself captivated and feeling so many emotions as I read this book. It is such a powerful story and I know it will stay with me for a very long time. The Absolutist is literature at its finest. This is one book you won't want to miss out on. Check it out!

Thank you to Other Press for providing me with a copy of this book!