Book Review: The Absolution

Yrsa Sigurðardóttir just keeps getting better and better, as shown by this third entry in the Children's House series that began with 2018's The Legacy. The Absolution (Aflausn in Icelandic) picks up right from where The Reckoning left off, delving once again into a dark and heart-wrenching tale that tackles themes of (cyber)-bullying and homophobia, even as it sheds more light on its loveable but flawed leads Freyja and Huldar, and their love-hate relationship. Sigurðardóttir keeps a tight leash over the reveals, and alternates between characters good, bad, and innocent, where motivations vary from the pure to the malicious, and with plenty of twists and turns. The pain victims of bullying go through feel all but unflinchingly raw, as is the author's indictment of the education system that fails to protect such vulnerable children and of their parents who ignore the red flags, thus fostering a dysfunctional climate that allows harassers to thrive. Her effortless ability to blend emotional and psychological heft with gripping, masterful plots makes The Absolution truly engrossing reading material. Highly recommended!