The Absolutes by Molly Dektar was an interesting and compelling story.

I for one enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was written very well.
And the character's were interesting and well developed.
The story took me by surprise and Dektar spun a really well written tale.
I will most defiantly pick up her work in the future.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You Netgalley and Mariner Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this eARC!

“the absolutes” is the story of obsession and abuse, both emotional and physical. the novel begins with nora, a troubled teen, sent by her parents to italy. the first time she sees nicola, the obsession begins. years later, in new york city, they meet again, this time as business partners. however, nicola is married.

nora is a lost soul with a good heart, but a propensity for deep obsession. as we watch her make mistakes and do the wrong thing, we can’t help but feel bad for her. dektar writes her characters in a way that allows us to accept the horrible things they have done while also feel empathic. while the first three quarters of the novel were excellent and gripping, the last was a bit hastily wrapped up. this is a lovely literary fiction novel that leaves a sour taste in your mouth in the best way. however, i do feel it romanticizes abuse if it is marketed as romance.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy in exchange for an honest review!