The Absolutist: A Novel by the Author of The Heart's Invisible Furies

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY: An unforgettable, beautifully written and heart-wrenching story about choices we make and the regrets that sometimes follow. BRIEF REVIEW: When this book was first published in 2012, I just didn't think it was a story for me but, was I ever wrong. What is an "absolutist?" We are told that when it comes to war, it is worse than being a conscientious objector. Not only does an "absolutist" refuse to fight in a war they also refuse to perform ANY duties to help in the war effort like helping out on the sidelines or in a hospital for example. The story begins in 1919 on a train with Tristan Sadler traveling to visit Marian, the sister of Will Bancroft, a very close friend of Tristans and fallen soldier. The purpose of the visit is to return a stack of letters that Marion wrote Will during the war. The two young men were briefly, intimately involved while serving in France. While Will preferred to forget the incidents and made light of them, Tristan could not forget the encounters as he cared deeply for Will. Many issues are covered in this beautiful story: family, courage, cowardice, friendships, pressures to conform, homophobia and more. Never do the issues overwhelm the storyline. It's actually a simple story, yet masterfully written. Through flashbacks from 1919 to 1916 the reader gets a clear picture of what happened but, it isn't until you get closer to the ending that the real shock and impact of the story hits you. The story ends with Tristan as an old man in 1979. This is a story I'll never forget. I'm more determined than ever to read everything that John Boyne has written; his book The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, was another book of his that has never left me. If you decide to read this book (please do) go into it blind, like I did and don't read too many reviews. The story is written in such a way that it does not give anything away too soon at least, you get just small pieces in just the right doses. This would make an excellent book club discussion choice. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED NOTE: Thanks go to Other Press for sending this book my way in exchange for my unbiased review. MEMORABLE QUOTES: "Astonishing how everyone is willing to go abroad to fight for the foreigners while having such little concern for those of their own countrymen at home." " I think perhaps the adults we become are formed in childhood and there's no way around it." "I felt that this is what it must be like to be married to someone, a constant back and forth of bickering, watching out for any stray comment in a conversation that might be corrected, anything to keep gaining the upper hand, the advantage, bringing one closer to taking the game, the set, the whole blasted match without ever conceding a point."

I was riveted to John Boyne's The Absolutist for several days, altering my normal sleep schedule to fit in a few extra minutes of reading. It was a rewarding read, beautifully written, graphic without being sordid or voyeuristic and compelling in a very carefully constructed plot-line. There was always enough tantalizing information to make me want read just a few more pages than planned, while keeping some of the more surprising (though not completely unexpected) developments for the last few dozen pages. The main characters were well-crafted and complex enough to seem real although the minor characters tended to be formulaic or simply erratic (I am thinking of Will's parents and sisters who, in their own gentile way, I found as repugnant and bigoted as Tristan's. I can't believe that a vicar charged with counseling shell-shocked veterans could have been so cruelly insensitive to his son's best friend [if that was what he was]; and the sister was as brutal as the army sergeant in her own way until the bitter end.). The author deals with issues of homophobia--an inherent part of the Judeo-Christian cultural heritage--pacifism and the banality of evil in war, with all the complex moral issues that it raises, along with classism (lower-class butcher's son contrasted with middle-class vicar's son). Over all, however, I was disappointed with the facile and unbelievable way the author tied the plot together at the end--when the final retribution for a moment of youthful anger was meted out sixty years on, triggered by a few nasty comments that shouldn't have made any difference any more. I also sensed that the reader was supposed to believe that the self-righteous moral posturing of one character, as admirable as it was on a philosophical level, was superior to the practical, emotional and very human reaction of a shell-shocked soldier who came from a background of intolerance, abuse and unrequited, hidden love. The hypocrisy of the character who professed a (self-destructive) attachment to legal principles was revealed painfully in the concurrent cruel and opportunistic emotional exploitation of his doting friend. Nevertheless, the twisted, shifting moral maze through which the two main characters moved in the plot constantly suggested profound and disturbing questions that challenged me to think beyond the story itself to bigger issues of principles, family, love, loyalty and a deeper meaning of courage.

This book, in my mind, cements John Boyne as one of, if not THE finest Irish novelist ever. It gets a 4.5 simply because I liked The Heart’s Invisible Furies just a tad more; I therefore have Mr. Boyne competing against himself, fair or not. This man digs deep into the human mind, spirit, and soul. In my experience his closest competition in this respect is Fredrik Backman. To be gay in the early 20th century was a curse. This was simply unacceptable in society at that time. These people for the most part were relegated to a lifetime of longing, frustration, and shame. Couple that with family rejection and tumultuous experiences as a soldier in WWI, and you have the recipe for a very difficult life. That was Tristan Sadler. His best friend during the war, Will Bancroft, had other things on his mind, uppermost being doing what is right. Then there was Marian, Will’s sister. She has a minor yet powerful role in the novel. These characters are written magnificently and are to be believed. The story is profound. This book ravaged my heart. Don’t think you know where this story is going because you don’t. I found the last bit stunning. The Absolutist—a novel for every reader of literary fiction. Please don’t miss out. As I finish this review, I have decided that to pit Boyne against Boyne just isn’t fair. I am rewarding it all the stars I have to give.

This book was very well written. The characters are well developed. The story is heart wrenching because of the back drop of war and decisions made under extraordinary circumstances. The author gave me much to think about. I would say the story is both powerful and sorrowful. Not for the faint hearted reader.

J'ai commandé ce roman grâce à votre site et à la recommandation d'un lecteur, grand amateur de livres sur la Première Guerre Mondiale. Je lui dis encore "merci", car "The Absolutist" (en français "Le secret de Tristan Sadler") est "absolument" bouleversant . En le lisant on éprouve une grande émotion et qui reste une fois la dernière page tournée. L'émotion reste et les questions aussi -- sur le deuil, la perte d'un être aimé, le courage, la loyauté, le devoir . . . Je ne veux pas trop commenter l'intrigue sans dévoiler la fin, alors je dirai simplement qu'on pense entre autres à "Brokeback Mountain", "All Quiet on the Western Front", "Atonement" par Ian McEwan, "Maurice" par E. M. Forster. On pense aussi à une scène du Nouveau Testament et le reniement de Saint Pierre . Malgré quelques défauts ce roman mérite cinq étoiles. Je le recommande, pas seulement pour son aspect "Grande Guerre" mais pour ce qu'il apporte sur la connaissance de l'âme humaine.

It is interesting as you read a novel and then begin to believe it is an autobiography. This book - the writing is exceptional, the story itself horrific: the horrors of war as well as the horrors of prejudice, hate, and the love for another person, a love that was illegal. Touching, emotional read. This story will haunt me for quite some time.

In 2013....... This book was recommended to me. Previously the only book I had read from this author was The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas which I loved. My understanding had been that The Absolutist was a book for adults rather than young adults and I was surprised at the very large font in the version I read. World War One and its effects on the individuals involved is a topic returned to regularly in fiction. Here we see Tristan Sadler going to visit the sister of a fallen comrade in 1919 - it is a mysterious mission in an unfamiliar city. The visit brings his memories to the surface and he relives the emotions encountered while in France during the war, whilst exploring his friendship with Will. Tristan's character is sensitively developed. He is tormented by his experiences and torn between what is right and what is wrong. Visiting Marian serves as a vehicle for him (and her) to consider their feelings about what happened. The trenches are described in great detail and the atmosphere is very vivid. The book is compared to Birdsong which I was by sceptical about but, having read the book, I think is fair. Here the story is slimmed down to only two views - the trenches and the visit the following year which intensifies the emotions. It is a difficult challenge going over such a well trodden subject and there is little in here which has not bee covered before. However, John Boyne explores his subject so tenderly that this book cannot fail to be a worthwhile read to anyone interested in the human side of World War One. Move on to 2022...... I'd now read many more John Boyne books and loved every single one so decided to reread this novel. I rarely revisit novels but hadn't remembered much about this one - I have become a huge fan of the author and it seemed appropriate to return to where it all began. The book starts in Tombland, Norwich, an area that I visited recently which seemed to be a pleasant coincidence. John Boyne's writing is just beautiful. At the same time I want to tear straight through it and also slow down to soak up every word. There are still a few John Boyne books I haven't read so I am going to buy them immediately. Nearly a decade on and with many other John Boyne books in my head, this novel took my breathe away with a sadness that is rarely achieved. The multiple layers gradually build up with the reader thinking they know what is going to happen but the ending comes as a dramatic shock. Of course the descriptions of trench warfare are awful but the horror of this book is the unspeakable human behaviour that is created - relationships develop in ways that would not be thinkable in peace time - everyone is just doing their best to survive, mentally as well as physically. The writing is brilliant and I have nothing but admiration for John Boyne.

Para conhecer melhor a história da I Guerra Mundial.

'The Absolutist' is yet another brilliant literary work by John Boyne. The book sips into the greatest depth of your mind, body and soul with a promise to never get out. I am spellbound by such a great piece of art as this. Set amidst the First World War, this book is about love, jealousy, pain and much more. The War can take everything from a person, indeed.