Absolution by Jeff VanderMeer Reviewed and Explained

[@neuroticnation144]

I have “Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Writing Imaginative Fiction” by Jeff Vandermeer, it’s utterly fantastic and contains personal bits about his life experiences and family. It kinda explains some of his insanity in writing. Great book, I highly recommend especially if you’re curious about writing imaginative fiction.

[@ChaseFountains]

Currently reading this to learn to write as well and following along with these have been gold mines!!

[@Goodbye2AWorld]

Just finished this book today. Old Jim's portion had me so absorbed. But wow, oh wow, was Lowry's part a hard read. I absolutely agree with your point that Vandermeer gets so mysterious with the parts outside of Area X that it can really slow your reading to a crawl trying to make sense of it. Nevertheless, he's still an amazing author when it comes to imagery. That "Do Not Eat" section gave me chills. Great review!

[@GrammaticusBooks]

This is a new one to me Liminal. In fact, Jeff VanderMeer is a new author for me! Not sure I want to slog through 300 pages to get to the good parts though. Maybe start with Annihilation?

[@patreekotime4578]

Sounds like you should read the entire Southern Reach trilogy before digging into this one.

[@crippsverse]

It's a unique vision unlike anything else I've ever read (all four) with some incredible ideas but I also found it hard to stay focused on it. I gave up on Absolution about half way through. I expect I missed some important scenes but felt I'd dwelt in that world long enough. Very glad I read it.

[@AndrewPrice2704]

I think Jack had essentially embezzled the money from Central

[@adrianmcmahon5731]

I've been looking forward to reading this since I found out it was coming out a few months back. Although you mentioned quite strongly in both this review and the 2024 ranking round up about how Absolution is 3/4's of a slog to read, this review despite all of that just makes me want to read it even more now. Vandermeer is nearly always a head scratching wtf did I just read / fever dream / bad acid trip but his writing sticks with you long after you've finished that despite his flaws is worth the time and effort to try to make sense of it.

[@AndrewPrice2704]

I can't really imagine listening to any of the four. Being able to speed up and slow down and go back is essential I find.

[@neuroticnation144]

I’ll be back after I’ve read it… a fellow audible listener!

[@dM-ij1we]

My favourite of the four.

[@neuroticnation144]

I agree, sometimes he can be a little over imaginative to the point of huh? But fun nonetheless.

[@MizardWizard]

Yooo sick palmer eldritch shirt 👕

[@joearnold6881]

I think your alligator might be sick