The Elements is divided into four sections: water, earth, fire and air. Each section has a main character who is affected by one of these elements. All four characters have been traumatized in one way or another. The four individuals appear tangentially in the three segments where he or she is not the main character.

Although I have enjoyed most of John Boyne’s novels, I cannot recommend The Elements. I felt removed from the characters and their experiences, and perhaps that is why I had a hard time trying to summarize Boyne’s book. Also, I thought the style and the plot of The Elements was slow moving and contrived.