by: John Boyne
Goodreads synopsis:
From bestselling author John Boyne, a gripping and profound exploration of guilt, blame, trauma, and the human capacity for redemption.
In The Elements, acclaimed Irish novelist John Boyne has created an epic saga that weaves together four interconnected narratives, each representing a different perspective on the enabler, the accomplice, the perpetrator, and the victim.
The narrative follows a mother on the run from her past, a young soccer star facing a trial, a successful surgeon grappling with childhood trauma, and a father on a transformative journey with his son. Each is somehow connected to the next, and as the story unfolds, their lives intersect in unimaginable ways.
Boyne’s most ambitious work yet, The Elements is both an engrossing drama and a moving investigation of why and how we allow crime to occur. With masterful, spellbinding prose, he navigates this complex subject with extraordinary empathy and unflinching honesty. The story resonates on a deeply emotional level, challenging readers to confront their own conceptions of guilt and innocence at every step. Amid the wildly engrossing storytelling, the book ultimately What would you do when faced with the unthinkable?
Helen says: 🤓🤓
This book was a little bit “icky” and disturbing. I didn’t really like it, nor do I recommend it. Frankly, it makes me sad to say because I have loved every single one of John Boyne’s books until now. Oh well…Save yourself the same disappointment.
Holly says: 🤓🤓🤓1/2
I love John Boyne, but this is not one of my favorites. Having said that, it is still a good book. There are some very, very dark characters here (as in dark, I mean twisted and evil – not good) – and some deserve their fate. Boyne’s diversity in subject matter, approach, writing, perspective, etc., is amazing. It’s like a box of Forrest Gump chocolates – you never really know what you are going to get. I will read everything he writes.
Helen and Holly Hit the Books 