The Elements

The Elements by John Boyne
9/9/25; 496 pages
Henry Holt & Company 

The Elements by John Boyne is a very highly recommended collection of four interconnected literary novellas. Each story explore a different perspective on crime and sexual abuse/assault and are presented as an element: water, earth, fire, and air. Water is the enabler, Earth is the accomplice, Fire is the perpetrator, and Air is the victim. This is a complex, powerful novel and among the best I've read this year. 

In Water, Vanessa Carvin flees to a remote island off the west coast of Ireland. Her husband has been convicted of abusing children and she wants to escape the publicity and notoriety while reflecting on any role she played in enabling his crimes and find healing. 
In Earth, Evan Keough escapes his life and abusive father on the same island. He wants to be a painter, but instead works as a prostitute before finding success on a soccer team. He ends up being on trial as an accomplice in a crime.
In Fire, Dr. Freya Petrus, is a successful burn surgeon during the day and deals with her childhood trauma by being a predator at night.
In Air, Aaron Umber, a child psychologist in Australia, is still damaged by abuse he experienced as a child. He and his teenage son are taking a trip back to Ireland which results in some healing.

The writing is exceptional in this compelling literary collection. While the stories can be disturbing and are not always emotionally easy to read, the abuse and crimes are brutally but honestly depicted. The impact of the crimes and abuse experienced by (or doled out by) these deeply wounded characters is handled with candor and authenticity. The impact and consequences of the abuse is far-reaching.

All of the characters are portrayed as fully realized, complex individuals with strengths and weaknesses. Each of their voices are distinct in each story and the relationships between characters is organic. Not every character or choice made induces sympathy or understanding, but the grim reality of their situations is there.

The Elements is one of the best books of the year and would be a great choice for a serious book club. Thanks to Henry Holt & Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.