This article needs an improved plot summary. (October 2024) |
Absolution is a 2024 novel by Jeff VanderMeer, and the fourth entry in the Southern Reach Series. It is both a prequel and sequel to the Southern Reach Series.
 | |
| Author | Jeff VanderMeer |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | Southern Reach series |
| Genre | |
| Publisher | Farrar, Straus and Giroux |
Publication date | October 2024 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 464 |
| ISBN | 978-0-374-61659-5 |
| Preceded by | Acceptance |
Background
editThe three previous books in the Southern Reach series were written and published within the span of a few months in 2014, and VanderMeer only started thinking about writing Absolution in 2017. VanderMeer claims that the idea for Absolution's plot came to him almost fully formed on 31 July 2023, at which point he wrote continuously until 31 December. He then submitted it to his publisher, who accelerated pre-production steps to shorten the time until it was released.[1]
In the days leading up to the publishing of Absolution, VanderMeer was forced to evacuate from his home in Tallahassee Florida due to Hurricane Helene, mirroring the themes of systemic environmental events in Absolution and other books in the series.[2]
Plot
editA team of biologists explore the region that is to become Area X in order to study local alligators. The team then is attacked a pack of carnivorous rabbits with cameras on their back. The biologists become insane, and encounter a paranormal entity that attacks them. The government then covers up the incident.
The book then focuses on Old Jim, a local bar owners and a member of the Southern Reach agency, who is sent to investigate the expedition and a group of occultists performing experiments in the lighthouse.
Reception
editAbsolution received positive reviews from critics.[3][4] The Washington Post praised Absolution, stating that despite low expectations, it maintained the same quality as the original trilogy. They note that the book managed to overcome the common issue of horror becoming less effective in longer works.[4] The New York Times generally praised the novel, stating that the opening sections were "some of VanderMeer's best writing."[3] The Los Angeles Times positively compared the horror and grief depicted in the book to the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch,[5] and the Boston Globe described the book as "maddening, haunting, and compelling."[6]
References
edit- ^ Webster, Andrew (2024-10-21). "'I woke up and had the whole idea in my head': returning to Area X with Jeff VanderMeer". The Verge. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ^ Chilukuri, Siri (2024-10-22). "This climate author wrote a hurricane into his new novel. Then he had to flee from one". Mother Jones. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ^ a b Nevala-Lee, Alec (2024-10-22). "Jeff VanderMeer Returns to the Uncanny World of Area X". New York Times. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ^ a b Keiser, Jess (2024-10-22). "This horror novel will truly scare you — for all the right reasons". Washington Post. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ^ Berry, Lorraine (2024-10-12). "What happens when humans confront a form of nature with no rational order?". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ^ Keeley, Matthew (2024-10-23). "In 'Absolution,' VanderMeer returns to Area X and things get very weird". Boston Globe. Retrieved 2024-10-25.