Absolution: A Novel By Alice McDermott

"A riveting account of women’s lives on the margins of the Vietnam War," Absolution, penned by Alice McDermott, weaves a compelling narrative around Tricia and Charlene, American wives thrust into the limelight in the midst of the Vietnam War. Tricia, a shy newlywed married to a navy intelligence attorney, and Charlene, a practiced corporate spouse and mother of three, form an unlikely alliance in Saigon in 1963. As they grapple with societal expectations and their own yearning to "do good" in Vietnam, the novel unveils the pivotal year that shapes their lives.

Fast forward sixty years, and Charlene's daughter reaches out to Tricia. Together, they revisit Saigon, reflecting on Charlene's altruistic efforts and the unintended consequences of their choices in a world deeply impacted by America's involvement in Southeast Asia. McDermott's novel delves into the lives of women on the periphery of politics, history, war, and their husbands' convictions, offering a poignant exploration of folly, grace, obligation, sacrifice, and the elusive quest for absolution in a fractured world.

With McDermott's observational prowess and evocative storytelling, Absolution emerges as a profound and affecting exploration of the complexities faced by women during a tumultuous period in history, revealing the enduring impact of their choices on lives shaped by unintended consequences. 📚❤️