emma's Reviews > Absolution

major historical events told through the eyes of women living on the edges of them...chef's kiss.

there is a lot to want to look away from in this book—white saviorism, privilege, treatment of those with disabilities, the culturally palatable forms of racism, colonization—but most all of it is deftly and wisely handled, commenting on itself even in the moments in which the characters embodying it seem unaware.

at some points it gets a little ahead or behind of itself in this attempt, but most of the time it's impressive in its rendition of both this subject and what it is to be a woman, to be a mother, and to be flawed at both.

bottom line: this is underrated.

(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)