Book Review :: The Elements

With The Elements, John Boyne delivers another masterfully crafted story, rich with complexity and nuance—just like life itself.

Told in four separate yet interconnected narratives, The Elements explores what the publisher describes as four perspectives of abuse: enabler, accomplice, perpetrator, and victim. But beneath the surface, these characters—and their counterparts—illustrate the intricate nature of the abuse cycle and how easily one can shift from one role to another.

In “Water,” a woman retreats to a remote island after a public scandal. She leaves behind a husband now in prison and a daughter who has died by suicide, drowning herself. Her surviving daughter reaches out only sporadically, leaving her uncertain if there’s any family left to hold onto.

“Earth” follows a famous soccer player and his teammate, both on trial for not only rape, but recording the attack. Are they guilty of the crime or are they targets of an opportunistic fan?

In “Fire,” a pediatric burn specialist dedicates her career to healing. Yet, in the shadows, her own demons drive her to inflict harm, creating new victims instead of saving them.

Finally, in “Air,” a father and son journey from Australia to Ireland. The father, still grappling with the trauma of his past, struggles to protect his son from the evils he once endured—all while trying to heal himself.

These four narratives intertwine through shared characters, but more importantly, they examine similar themes from different perspectives. What choices does one have after experiencing abuse? How does trauma shape feelings of guilt and complicity? And what role does community play in enabling, ignoring, or overcoming these cycles?

I’m a huge fan of John Boyne, and The Elements exceeded my expectations – which are pretty high considering how I felt about A Ladder to the Sky and A History of Loneliness.

Boyne’s characters are unforgettable. I admire his unflinching honesty in portraying the darkest corners of the human soul, always searching for a glimmer of humanity. Sometimes he finds it, sometimes he doesn’t—but either way, his stories spark conversation and reflection. And that, to me, is the mark of a truly great book.

Verdict: My highest recommendation. Book clubs will have plenty to discuss with this one.

Questions for Discussion

The Elements portrays a wide range of abuse, from rape to abandonment. Do different forms of abuse lead to different consequences for the victims? Similarly, some abusers seem fully aware of their actions, while others live in denial or ignorance. How does this affect their victims?

The novel explores both the cyclical nature of abuse and characters who intentionally work to break the cycle. What factors seem to make the difference?

Which story did you like with you the most, and why? Beyond the obvious, what connections can you draw between the section titles (Water, Earth, Fire, Air) and their themes?

The publisher describes the four main characters as follows:

• Vanessa: Enabler
• Evan: Accomplice
• Freya: Perpetrator
• Aaron: Victim
  Do these labels fully define them? In what other roles do they fit?

Willow (Vanessa) accuses Tim Devin of feeling “excused” because, as a man, he still sees himself as a teenage boy. Is this a fair accusation? Are there other characters in The Elements who fit this description?

How does the broader community influence the events of these stories? In what ways does it enable abuse, ignore it, or help to stop it?

The Elements is filled with abusers, yet some might argue that the story remains hopeful. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

***

I was provided an Advance Reader Copy of The Elements by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The Elements will be available to all readers on Sept. 9, 2025.