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Absolution
Jeanie thinks she was to blame for the sexual assault she suffered in college—and she’d do anything to keep her old-school Catholic family from finding out about the resulting pregnancy, as well as what she did to conceal it.
Years have passed since the assault, and Jeanie’s husband, Greg, still thinks she’s the seemingly innocent girl he married in a rush to spite his controlling mother. It’s the height of the Seattle dot-com boom, and he’s too busy cashing in his stock options to pay attention to his wife. He isn’t aware of Jeanie’s lingering shame and guilt, or that she married him in the desperate hope that devoting herself to marriage and motherhood would somehow absolve her from the sins in her past.
Their hidden agendas collide when Greg discovers evidence of Jeanie’s long-ago pregnancy. As she confesses the details of that drunken night with her married professor, Greg’s pristine image of her is blown. His shock deepens into violent fury, and Jeanie realizes she needs to leave him—but Greg won’t let her go. He’s up for a big promotion, and he’s not about to let her ruin his reputation by walking out on him. He’ll resort to blackmail if necessary. Or worse.
Years have passed since the assault, and Jeanie’s husband, Greg, still thinks she’s the seemingly innocent girl he married in a rush to spite his controlling mother. It’s the height of the Seattle dot-com boom, and he’s too busy cashing in his stock options to pay attention to his wife. He isn’t aware of Jeanie’s lingering shame and guilt, or that she married him in the desperate hope that devoting herself to marriage and motherhood would somehow absolve her from the sins in her past.
Their hidden agendas collide when Greg discovers evidence of Jeanie’s long-ago pregnancy. As she confesses the details of that drunken night with her married professor, Greg’s pristine image of her is blown. His shock deepens into violent fury, and Jeanie realizes she needs to leave him—but Greg won’t let her go. He’s up for a big promotion, and he’s not about to let her ruin his reputation by walking out on him. He’ll resort to blackmail if necessary. Or worse.
- GenresFiction
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2020
18 people are currently reading
1778 people want to read
About the author
Regina Buttner
3 books213 followersRegina is a registered nurse-turned-writer who was raised in beautiful upstate New York, where she spent many happy hours exploring the back roads and small towns of the Adirondack mountain region. She recently traded the cold, snowy winters for the endless summer of sunny southwest Florida, where she enjoys strolling the sandy beaches, paddling among the mangroves, and teaching tricks to her crafty little corgi, Pekoe. Her new domestic suspense novel THE REVENGE PARADOX is set in her hometown of Syracuse, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 16, 2020
Jeanie is sexually assaulted in college, and she becomes pregnant as a result. She decides she has to hide all of it from her family because they will never understand.
Many years later, Jeanie is married to Greg. He’s getting lost in his work, while Jeanie is still struggling with her own shame. Greg finds out that Jeanie was pregnant in the past, which results in Greg being shocked and even violent. He is determined that Jeanie will not leave him, or the perfect image they have together as a married couple.
Absolution is a unique and emotional read. It’s all about the personas we hold dear that don’t necessarily match who we are in reality. It’s also about not letting the past or single incidents define us. It’s also about deep-seated secrets and the pain they can cause.
The author is a nurse, and I think this offered an interesting insight to the story. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this thoughtful story that kept me guessing.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Many years later, Jeanie is married to Greg. He’s getting lost in his work, while Jeanie is still struggling with her own shame. Greg finds out that Jeanie was pregnant in the past, which results in Greg being shocked and even violent. He is determined that Jeanie will not leave him, or the perfect image they have together as a married couple.
Absolution is a unique and emotional read. It’s all about the personas we hold dear that don’t necessarily match who we are in reality. It’s also about not letting the past or single incidents define us. It’s also about deep-seated secrets and the pain they can cause.
The author is a nurse, and I think this offered an interesting insight to the story. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this thoughtful story that kept me guessing.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
October 23, 2020
I rarely read books from the women’s fiction genre, but maybe I should read from this genre more often. I flew through this book and picked it up during work breaks just to get in a few more pages because I couldn’t stay away. I stayed up later than normal just to finish this one.
The story starts off following the protagonist’s life from her days in college where she’s sexually assaulted, and through the happy early years of her marriage. Husband Greg is a successful businessman who travels constantly for his work.
The story then shifts as Jeanie realizes that she’s raising her children on her own as her husband is never around to help. Greg then finds out about her secret from college and uses it against her.
This story is uncomfortable to read but you can’t not read it. I know that back in my younger days, there was a time in my life when I was a lot like the protagonist, which is why I think it was so uncomfortable. Like Jeanie, I had to force myself to wake up and smell the roses.
I have to say that I really enjoyed this one even though it was way out of my comfort zone. Well done, Regina Buttner!
*Thanks so much to the author and to GetRedPR for the copy of Absolution!*
The story starts off following the protagonist’s life from her days in college where she’s sexually assaulted, and through the happy early years of her marriage. Husband Greg is a successful businessman who travels constantly for his work.
The story then shifts as Jeanie realizes that she’s raising her children on her own as her husband is never around to help. Greg then finds out about her secret from college and uses it against her.
This story is uncomfortable to read but you can’t not read it. I know that back in my younger days, there was a time in my life when I was a lot like the protagonist, which is why I think it was so uncomfortable. Like Jeanie, I had to force myself to wake up and smell the roses.
I have to say that I really enjoyed this one even though it was way out of my comfort zone. Well done, Regina Buttner!
*Thanks so much to the author and to GetRedPR for the copy of Absolution!*
October 9, 2020
What a heartbreaking read. It was very well written for a debut book. The author really poured her heart out onto the pages. It was gripping and held my attention until the very end.
This book can be read in one sitting. It's that good.
I gave this book 4 stars and I cant wait to see what this author has in store for her next book for this avid reader.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
This book can be read in one sitting. It's that good.
I gave this book 4 stars and I cant wait to see what this author has in store for her next book for this avid reader.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
June 20, 2022
This is a story that once more shines the light on how our upbringing, family dynamics, culture affect decisions we make in life that may have negative repercussions on our future. I believe Jeanie might have made different choices early on in her marriage if she wasn’t carrying the burden of guilt and shame. Her story mirrors many other young women raised in strict families who sacrificed love and support for social appearances and religious doctrines.
Jeanie went through a lot of heartache, but she endured and learned to find her strength to save herself and her children. At times, I want to shake her, but the author introduced us to a real, flawed character like most of us trying to be our best self. I love a book that gives me characters I despise, and some to root for. Great job.
I’m looking forward to Ms. Buttner’s next book. I highly recommend this one. A captivating read.
Jeanie went through a lot of heartache, but she endured and learned to find her strength to save herself and her children. At times, I want to shake her, but the author introduced us to a real, flawed character like most of us trying to be our best self. I love a book that gives me characters I despise, and some to root for. Great job.
I’m looking forward to Ms. Buttner’s next book. I highly recommend this one. A captivating read.
October 1, 2020
A gripping novel from a debut author and a fellow nurse!
This story follows Jeanie, a devout Catholic, a mother, and wife to Greg, a successful dotcom entrepreneur from Seattle. Jeanie’s deeply buried past resurfaces, and the marriage is shattered. What comes next is an intensifying read that involves dysfunction, violence, and threats. Jeanie’s strength will be tested in this fast paced immersive read.
A great debut that addressed themes of power, religion and marriage, and what happens when secrets don’t stay hidden.
An intense and heartbreaking read I enjoyed.
This story follows Jeanie, a devout Catholic, a mother, and wife to Greg, a successful dotcom entrepreneur from Seattle. Jeanie’s deeply buried past resurfaces, and the marriage is shattered. What comes next is an intensifying read that involves dysfunction, violence, and threats. Jeanie’s strength will be tested in this fast paced immersive read.
A great debut that addressed themes of power, religion and marriage, and what happens when secrets don’t stay hidden.
An intense and heartbreaking read I enjoyed.
November 9, 2020
This debut book takes the reader on quite the emotional and heartbreaking journey.
This story is about Jeanie and her marriage to Greg. Jeanie is a devout Catholic who was sexually assaulted in college. Feeling extreme guilt and shame over it, she moves to a new town and quickly meets Greg. Greg has issues of his own--including a controlling mother. After less than two months of dating, they get engaged.
What ensues is Jeanie trying to survive her marriage and once her past is discovered by her husband, her marriage involves deception, threats and even violence. Jeanie needs to find the strength to move on and fight for herself and her children.
This is a wonderful debut novel. For a somewhat shorter read, it packs quite the emotional punch.
Thank you to GetRed PR and the author for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
This story is about Jeanie and her marriage to Greg. Jeanie is a devout Catholic who was sexually assaulted in college. Feeling extreme guilt and shame over it, she moves to a new town and quickly meets Greg. Greg has issues of his own--including a controlling mother. After less than two months of dating, they get engaged.
What ensues is Jeanie trying to survive her marriage and once her past is discovered by her husband, her marriage involves deception, threats and even violence. Jeanie needs to find the strength to move on and fight for herself and her children.
This is a wonderful debut novel. For a somewhat shorter read, it packs quite the emotional punch.
Thank you to GetRed PR and the author for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 3, 2020
Regina Buttner, the author of “Absolution” has written a memorable, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this novel are fiction, domestic fiction, and women’s fiction. The author describes her characters as complex, complicated, and dysfunctional. I appreciate that the author discusses controversial and contemporary subjects such as sexual assault, religious differences, the power of secrets, and emotional and physical abuse in a relationship.
Jeanie comes from a devout Catholic family and is sexually assaulted by a professor. After losing the baby, Jeanie feels tremendous guilt but keeps this from her family. Jeanie leaves town with a friend and meets Greg, a polite man, who is a workaholic. His parents have an arrogant air, and he himself dislikes his mother’s harsh attitude. The two marry and have children.
After a number of years, Greg finds information out about Jeanie’s past, and he is angry. He becomes angry and abusive, and Jeanie fears for her life.
I like that the author discusses the importance of truth and communication, the importance of family and friends, and love and hope. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking story.
November 15, 2020
I am a big fan of debut novels, & when they're especially well-written ones w/ a strong plot & story that you think about off & on long after reading it, then I can't wait to tell all you about it as well.
"I was weak & deceitful, & I could never, ever let my husband find out the truth about me. I would keep my secrets hidden from him for the rest of my life..." (from the book)
'Absolution' is an incredibly gripping debut novel that you can easily get swept up in & devour in mere hours. Exploring the theme of sexual assault against women committed by men in powerful positions, this captivating, thought-provoking story will have you rooting out loud for Jeanie as she fights for her self-acceptance & her place in this victim filled world, while not letting her victim-hood define her. Dark secrets, hidden motivations, & manipulations by supposed loved ones, 'Absolution' is a powerful read & would make an excellent book club choice!
"I was weak & deceitful, & I could never, ever let my husband find out the truth about me. I would keep my secrets hidden from him for the rest of my life..." (from the book)
'Absolution' is an incredibly gripping debut novel that you can easily get swept up in & devour in mere hours. Exploring the theme of sexual assault against women committed by men in powerful positions, this captivating, thought-provoking story will have you rooting out loud for Jeanie as she fights for her self-acceptance & her place in this victim filled world, while not letting her victim-hood define her. Dark secrets, hidden motivations, & manipulations by supposed loved ones, 'Absolution' is a powerful read & would make an excellent book club choice!
October 13, 2020
Thank you to the author & GetRedPR for an advance copy in exchange for a honest review!
How can anyone not give 5 stars to this story? This is a journey of Jeanie from the heartbreaking moment she is raped by her college professor. Jeanie comes from a strictly Catholic family and town. Unable to cope with the guilt and shame of her assault and nobody to turn to except her best friend, Jeanie moves away to Atlanta and starts a new life.
Jeanie meets Greg who comes from an upper class Protestant family where genteel manners are more important than real values. They get married within weeks and move to Seattle. Everything goes smoothly at first while Jeanie holds on to her secret.
However gradually Greg becomes busier with his job and places money over family and completely ignores his wife and their baby. Things take a much worse turn when Jeanie’s past is revealed and Greg is not the refined man he portrayed to be.
•
For a short book, the story packs a punch. The whole book feels very real and emotional, almost like nonfiction. Many dynamics are explored between couples, man and woman, in-laws, class, power etc. This is a fascinating women’s fiction novel from a debut author. The transition from Jeanie as a shy, self-doubting young lady to an assertive, confident woman was very gradual and believable. I am so glad GetRedPR introduced this gem of a book to me or I may have missed it. I strongly recommend this book and hope it makes it to women’s studies classrooms! Full 5 stars from me!
How can anyone not give 5 stars to this story? This is a journey of Jeanie from the heartbreaking moment she is raped by her college professor. Jeanie comes from a strictly Catholic family and town. Unable to cope with the guilt and shame of her assault and nobody to turn to except her best friend, Jeanie moves away to Atlanta and starts a new life.
Jeanie meets Greg who comes from an upper class Protestant family where genteel manners are more important than real values. They get married within weeks and move to Seattle. Everything goes smoothly at first while Jeanie holds on to her secret.
However gradually Greg becomes busier with his job and places money over family and completely ignores his wife and their baby. Things take a much worse turn when Jeanie’s past is revealed and Greg is not the refined man he portrayed to be.
•
For a short book, the story packs a punch. The whole book feels very real and emotional, almost like nonfiction. Many dynamics are explored between couples, man and woman, in-laws, class, power etc. This is a fascinating women’s fiction novel from a debut author. The transition from Jeanie as a shy, self-doubting young lady to an assertive, confident woman was very gradual and believable. I am so glad GetRedPR introduced this gem of a book to me or I may have missed it. I strongly recommend this book and hope it makes it to women’s studies classrooms! Full 5 stars from me!
October 19, 2020
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @reginabuttnerbooks for the #gifted copy!
I read this book last week while on vacation and loved it. This debut is beautifully written, if not heart-breaking at times.
In Absolution, we catch a glimpse of what sexual assault often looks like and how it can so easily derail someone's life. We see the shame it invites. Jeanie experiences assault during her final months at college. We are invited to see first-hand how her subsequent marriage plays out when she is married to a narcissistic man. This looks at how woman so often lose their voice over time and what power dynamics look like in marriages.
This also looks at how our family of origins affect how we behave, think and function as adults - and what breaking that cycle looks like.
I could not put this one down. Looking forward to reading more from this author!
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬: Sexual Assault, Abortion, Miscarriage, Infidelity, Emotional Abuse, Manipulation
I read this book last week while on vacation and loved it. This debut is beautifully written, if not heart-breaking at times.
In Absolution, we catch a glimpse of what sexual assault often looks like and how it can so easily derail someone's life. We see the shame it invites. Jeanie experiences assault during her final months at college. We are invited to see first-hand how her subsequent marriage plays out when she is married to a narcissistic man. This looks at how woman so often lose their voice over time and what power dynamics look like in marriages.
This also looks at how our family of origins affect how we behave, think and function as adults - and what breaking that cycle looks like.
I could not put this one down. Looking forward to reading more from this author!
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬: Sexual Assault, Abortion, Miscarriage, Infidelity, Emotional Abuse, Manipulation
July 14, 2020
I received an advance reading copy of this novel and I highly recommend it to fans of domestic drama. Jeanie and Greg’s dysfunctional marriage was founded on mutual deceit and hidden agendas that eventually collide in threats of marital blackmail and violence that will have you glued to the pages to find out what happens next. Jeanie hangs in there until she can’t take anymore and then—Look out, Greg! The story’s conclusion is very satisfying and I was cheering for Jeanie and her newfound woman’s strength.
September 25, 2020
Thanks so much for the advanced copy! I enjoyed this book. It was a quick, easy read and I think a lot of women can relate to being in Jeanie's situation.
October 13, 2020
A marriage unraveling is often a slow, painful process. Regina Buttner’s debut puts you right in the center of a marriage on shaky ground, a woman struggling to stand up for herself against a man on a power trip.
I’ll be honest, this one wasn’t at all what I expected, but after sitting with it for a bit I began to really appreciate just how much this short book offered up. It was a very honest, well-written book that touched on a lot of important topics, including consent, abortion, abuse, class, religion, and fidelity.
Although this is a relatively quick read, I recommend slowing down and savoring it, thinking about the power dynamics between the men and women. I think this one would make a great book club selection and I’m looking forward to Buttner’s future work.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review.
I’ll be honest, this one wasn’t at all what I expected, but after sitting with it for a bit I began to really appreciate just how much this short book offered up. It was a very honest, well-written book that touched on a lot of important topics, including consent, abortion, abuse, class, religion, and fidelity.
Although this is a relatively quick read, I recommend slowing down and savoring it, thinking about the power dynamics between the men and women. I think this one would make a great book club selection and I’m looking forward to Buttner’s future work.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review.
October 13, 2020
What a powerful, emotional, and redemptive debut by Regina Buttner! While I do typically enjoy dramas, they haven't held my attention as much this year. I was pleasantly surprised by Absolution and would liken it to a deep conversation with a close friend. Jeanie was a strong, relatable character who was easy to root for. I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
CW (also in synopsis): sexual assault, domestic abuse
CW (also in synopsis): sexual assault, domestic abuse
September 26, 2020
I received an advance copy of this book. It was hard to put down. It felt like I was following the life a friend recounting martial struggles, the complicated relationships with family/friends and the support and love they provide.
January 25, 2021
Absolution by Regina Buttner
Publish Date: 10/13/20
Absolution is a gripping family drama that focuses on the choices we make and how they impact our lives even years later.
Jeanie was sexually assaulted while a college student and despite being Catholic considered an abortion due to the circumstances. Jeanie is desperate to hide her secret pregnancy and the assault from her devout Catholic family.
Jeanie never really gets over the guilt she feels for her decisions during this time.
Years later we see Jeanie married to Greg, a successful businessman, working non-stop during the dot com boom. Jeanie finds herself raising her children by herself as Greg is either always working or traveling for work. Jeanie spends a lot of time keeping up the pretense that she is happily married. The reality is that she is lonely and Greg has no idea that Jeanie married him to help assuage the guilt she felt regarding her decisions as young college student. Greg has always seen Jeanie as a good girl, nurturing mother, and wife who is easy to control.
As secrets tend to go, Greg eventually discovers evidence of Jeanie’s assault and the resulting pregnancy. When Jeanie tries to explain what happened Greg’s reaction turns violent and Jeanie realizes she has to get out of the marriage. Unfortunately Greg is up for a new job and refuses to let Jeanie go. He plans to hold onto her by any means necessary, if only to protect the perfect family image and boost his own ego.
Absolution is a quick read but it packs an emotional punch. You will find yourself feeling heartbroken, angry, and cheering as Jeanie navigates her difficult marriage. Her only goal to save herself and her children.
Publish Date: 10/13/20
Absolution is a gripping family drama that focuses on the choices we make and how they impact our lives even years later.
Jeanie was sexually assaulted while a college student and despite being Catholic considered an abortion due to the circumstances. Jeanie is desperate to hide her secret pregnancy and the assault from her devout Catholic family.
Jeanie never really gets over the guilt she feels for her decisions during this time.
Years later we see Jeanie married to Greg, a successful businessman, working non-stop during the dot com boom. Jeanie finds herself raising her children by herself as Greg is either always working or traveling for work. Jeanie spends a lot of time keeping up the pretense that she is happily married. The reality is that she is lonely and Greg has no idea that Jeanie married him to help assuage the guilt she felt regarding her decisions as young college student. Greg has always seen Jeanie as a good girl, nurturing mother, and wife who is easy to control.
As secrets tend to go, Greg eventually discovers evidence of Jeanie’s assault and the resulting pregnancy. When Jeanie tries to explain what happened Greg’s reaction turns violent and Jeanie realizes she has to get out of the marriage. Unfortunately Greg is up for a new job and refuses to let Jeanie go. He plans to hold onto her by any means necessary, if only to protect the perfect family image and boost his own ego.
Absolution is a quick read but it packs an emotional punch. You will find yourself feeling heartbroken, angry, and cheering as Jeanie navigates her difficult marriage. Her only goal to save herself and her children.
September 20, 2020
I read an advanced copy of this book. Loved it. It had many similarities to my own life. Lived how it ended.
October 16, 2022
Absolution, the title of this novel, may apply to both the main character Jeannie and her husband Greg. It is what Jeanie longs for after a traumatizing experience as a young adult that leaves her full of guilt. It is what she offers her husband, Greg time and time again, as he inflicts his emotional abuse on her. Jeanie is constantly justifying his disinterested parenting and his emotional distancing which grows more and more obvious as the story develops. But coming from a strict Catholic upbringing, Jeanie remains tolerant beyond endurance in order to keep her marriage together. It takes the encouragement of her best friend for her to finally drum up the courage to consider her own self-worth and escape the vicious circle that she has been living within. A very moving read.
JoAnn Catania, Author of a Scarcity of Virgins
JoAnn Catania, Author of a Scarcity of Virgins
June 9, 2022
Jeannie is a character to root for. As the story progresses, the reader is drawn into her struggle, empathizing and encouraging her to stand up for herself. As she falls deeper into an emotional abyss, Buttner pulls the reader along her journey.
Emotional turmoil and angst engage readers throughout this story. A domineering mother-in-law and a selfish husband leave Jeannie lonely and adrift. Yet, Buttner anchors the reader to Jeannie's slow rise to independence, prodding her silently to become the woman she wants to be. Readers who long for a character to cheer for, sympathize with, and celebrate will appreciate Absolution.
Emotional turmoil and angst engage readers throughout this story. A domineering mother-in-law and a selfish husband leave Jeannie lonely and adrift. Yet, Buttner anchors the reader to Jeannie's slow rise to independence, prodding her silently to become the woman she wants to be. Readers who long for a character to cheer for, sympathize with, and celebrate will appreciate Absolution.
July 22, 2020
I read an advance copy of Absolution and I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Jeanie’s struggle to break free from her marriage to a scheming narcissist. I grew up in a large old-fashioned family similar to hers so I could totally relate to her dilemma-should she continue being the dutiful wife and mother she was raised to to be (and sacrifice her own sanity) or call it quits and strike out on her own, despite Greg’s threat to expose the secret in her past? The book moved along quickly and overall it was a great read.
October 12, 2020
Like much of the best women’s fiction, ABSOLUTION is about the cost of living with secrets. Jeanie has trapped herself in a scenario where her own beliefs, both religious and her beliefs around what makes for being a good person and for living a good life, prevent her from leaving a dysfunctional marriage with an increasingly neglectful, cruel, and narcissist husband.
The story kept me engaged and rooting for Jeanie to make better choices, well into the night. This is family drama from an absorbing new voice.
The story kept me engaged and rooting for Jeanie to make better choices, well into the night. This is family drama from an absorbing new voice.
May 20, 2021
This is the kind of story that I can identify with in so many ways. Even though the main character Jeanie and I come from different ethnic backgrounds—her family is of Irish descent, I’m from the Philippines—we were both raised the old-fashioned Catholic way, where a wife’s first duty is to her husband. The descriptions were so vivid that I could feel Jeanie’s fear and shame after the assault that occurred in college, and I could relate to the way her upbringing compounded her sense of guilt. I cheered for her as she found the strength to fight back against her past!
December 27, 2021
I love stories which examine human fragility and complexity in all its forms, and Absolution does just that. The protagonist Jeanie struggles with feelings of guilt and shame throughout her adulthood as she simultaneously attempts to be an empathetic, appreciative and upbeat wife to an opinionated and rather controlling husband. The dynamics in her marriage change with time, forcing Jeanie to explore what she truly wants from the relationship. The book reads smoothly, with plenty of authenticity regarding family life, spousal roles/conflict and inner turmoil.
January 26, 2021
Absolution carries the reader through a gripping and emotional story about a woman named Jeanie and the progression of her relationship. Buttner's writing style is direct and conversational, which immediately draws in the reader and allows for a connection with Jeanie. Jeanie provides an authentic, relatable perspective on feminism, "purity", relationships, sacrifice, and motherhood. If you're looking for a gripping novel with an authentic female voice, I'd highly recommend Absolution.
February 16, 2022
I very much enjoyed this piece of women's fiction. It was quite relatable and true to life: poor wife cannot break out of patterns established by her nuclear family and struggles to define what will make her happy in her marriage. It's an evergreen topic. We root for Jeanie to kick the bum out and embrace the role of single parent. A fast read and I was sorry when it ended.
June 29, 2022
Jeanie has felt shame and guilt since an incident during college when her married professor raped her. When her husband,Greg, learns of the pregnancy that resulted he becomes violent. Jeanie must decide if she will leave him and get a divorce. She must learn take control of her life free from the guilt she had felt.
November 23, 2020
A gripping family drama that kept me turning pages. This emotional quick-read will have you reeling from heartache, anger, and frustration to standing up and cheering, thrusting your arm in the air yelling “Yes!” I highly recommend it.
February 1, 2021
Great story.
November 16, 2020
3.5 rounding up to 4. As someone who does not always love character driven stories, Absolution stood out for me as being relatable and an extremely well written story. The main character is written in a way that the reader becomes invested in not only her outcome but also her growth throughout the story.
This is not a book that has a lot of excitement happening. Some may find it TOO relatable, not becoming an escape from reality, but I thought it was beautiful in the sense that as a woman in her 30's, I could easily put myself in the main character's shoes and understand every choice she made. It does not sugarcoat marriage or motherhood, stripping it raw and exposing the rough underbelly that lies behind them both.
While the book starts with the main character's sexual assault, there were times when I felt like that event could have been brought into the conversation more instead of gently cast aside. I had hoped for more insight into her emotions after this event which would have given even more motive for her behavior later in the story. Instead, the reader has to take a moment to backtrack the events of Jeanie's life and remember where the story began.
This is a quick read that is emotional and well paced. While more could have been done to delve deeper in the psyche of a sexual assault survivor, I still think it does a wonderful job at being honest when it comes to marriage and emotional scars.
This is not a book that has a lot of excitement happening. Some may find it TOO relatable, not becoming an escape from reality, but I thought it was beautiful in the sense that as a woman in her 30's, I could easily put myself in the main character's shoes and understand every choice she made. It does not sugarcoat marriage or motherhood, stripping it raw and exposing the rough underbelly that lies behind them both.
While the book starts with the main character's sexual assault, there were times when I felt like that event could have been brought into the conversation more instead of gently cast aside. I had hoped for more insight into her emotions after this event which would have given even more motive for her behavior later in the story. Instead, the reader has to take a moment to backtrack the events of Jeanie's life and remember where the story began.
This is a quick read that is emotional and well paced. While more could have been done to delve deeper in the psyche of a sexual assault survivor, I still think it does a wonderful job at being honest when it comes to marriage and emotional scars.
September 25, 2020
In her last semester of college, Jeanie gets sick. Once better, she visits her professor to ask for an extension on the final project. What she receives instead is a sexual assault that results in a pregnancy. Soon after, she marries and devotes herself to being the best wife she can be in an effort to atone for what she thinks of as her sins. Years later, the assault still haunts her, but what haunts her more is her guilt over not telling her husband Greg. Just what will he do if he ever finds out?
This was an engaging debut! It is clear that Jeanie and Greg are going to have issues right off the bat, so watching that unfold and build kept me entertained. There were times I was furious with both Jeanie and Greg - Jeanie for allowing her husband to treat her the way he was and Greg for treating her that way. This book takes place through the 90s and 2000s, and you could really see how the times impacted the characters. You knew that Greg was going to find out about the assault at some point, so my anxiety kept intensifying. However, the ending was quite abrupt after all that build up. Overall, I enjoyed the writing style and the story line of this one. Can't wait to see what's next for Regina Buttner!
This was an engaging debut! It is clear that Jeanie and Greg are going to have issues right off the bat, so watching that unfold and build kept me entertained. There were times I was furious with both Jeanie and Greg - Jeanie for allowing her husband to treat her the way he was and Greg for treating her that way. This book takes place through the 90s and 2000s, and you could really see how the times impacted the characters. You knew that Greg was going to find out about the assault at some point, so my anxiety kept intensifying. However, the ending was quite abrupt after all that build up. Overall, I enjoyed the writing style and the story line of this one. Can't wait to see what's next for Regina Buttner!
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