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Absolution (VanderMeer novel)
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. BackgroundThe 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] PlotA team of biologists explore the region that is to become Area X in order to study local alligators. The team then is attacked by 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 owner and a member of the Central agency, who is sent to investigate the expedition and a group of occultists performing experiments in the lighthouse. Finally, the book details Central's first doomed expedition into the newly awakened Area X. Among their members is Lowry, who later oversees Central's operations in the Southern Reach. ReceptionAbsolution 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
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