The Absolutist

by John Boyne

there is also such a thing as diplomacy, there is such a thing as the concept of right-thinking men gathering around a table and sorting their problems out. And I don’t believe those avenues have been exhausted yet. Instead we’re all simply killing each other day after day after day. And I object to that, Sadler, if you really want to know. And I refuse to be a part of it.’

The notion that a regiment is a regiment, a singular object, a unit, not a collection of mismatched men all vying for different levels of attention.

he’s subject to the bullying and despicable behaviour of a bunch of clots who don’t have the sense to think that actually killing another human being is not something we should simply do on a whim, but is a most serious offence against the natural order of things.’

I’m trying to see your brushstrokes.

there’s a difference between breathing and being alive.

we were so wrapped up in ourselves that we didn’t think the world held a place for anyone else.

The only boy from the entire county during the whole war ever to be lined up in front of a firing squad and executed for cowardice.

we forget that we have very nearly died today as we wait to die again tomorrow.

Nobody claims to understand why we are given life in the first place, that would be a heresy, and yet so many purport to be completely sure about what will happen after they die. It’s absurd.’

‘He won’t do anything at all to further the war effort. Won’t fight, won’t help those who are fighting, won’t work in a hospital or come to the aid of the wounded. Won’t do anything at all, really, except sit on his hands and complain that the whole thing’s a sham. It’s the thin end of the wedge, Sadler, it really is. Cowardice on the most extreme