Reviews

Absolution: A Novel by Alice McDermott

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goflya61's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

ksjohns's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

cck13's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The best book I’ve read this year. McDermott captures brilliantly the charge and challenge of expat life (some things don’t change — the book is primarily set in the early 1960s). The characters were captivating and genuine, even the relatively minor ones. Their feelings and inner lives came through vividly — in large part thanks to McDermott’s clear and beautiful writing. I was riveted up to the last page. A full and unequivocal five stars from me.