Wednesday July 11

In War, Anguish, and Hope: John Boyne’s The Absolutist

John Boyne, author of The New York Times best seller, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, once again turns his writing talents to look at the horror of war in The Absolutist, and does so in his intensely close and personal manner. An absolutist is one whose objection to war is above even that of a conscientious objector. He will not serve in support, medical, or any capacity that contributes to the war.

The title for this book could just as easily have been Victims of War. Set during WWI, the story opens and closes in England with much of the action happening in France at the front lines. But everyone, whether in the trenches or at home, is a victim of the war. The fighting is immediate and intense, and so too are the emotions of those in battle. How does one trained to kill negotiate violence? And can it be turned off? How can one harness the ability to take life? What does it take to be a hero?

Tristan and Will are two soldiers, boys really, who meet in training and serve in France together. Tristan is the last of his company to survive, and he looks back in regret at what he has done. He has been ostracized and kicked out of his family home. He has gone to war to belong to something. Will, a parson's son, wants to serve his country, until he sees the senseless cruelty and unchecked violence of his comrades, those on "his side."

War is hell, especially for those involved, and surviving of its aftermath is rarely easy. This story of heroism and betrayal set in the trenches will keep you reading until its extraordinary and unexpected conclusion and stay with you long after you’ve finished.