The Absolutist

Principles. John Boyne uses the setting of the trenches of World War I to explore forbidden liaisons, moral principles, and the nature of cowardice in his finely written novel, The Absolutist. Protagonist Tristan Sadler is a gay teenager thrown out of his home when the scandal of his kissing a male schoolmate becomes known. Tristan lies about his age to join the army, and develops a troubled relationship with Will Bancroft, a vicar’s son. While repressed sexuality provides the context for the story, it is the impact of repression, the effect of keeping secrets, and the ways in which cowardice finds expression that Boyne explores so well in this novel. Readers who like fiction that delves into the essence of human nature and the power of principles to frame behavior, are those most likely to enjoy this novel. Rating: Three-star (Recommended) Click here to purchase The Absolutist from amazon.com.