Henrik Sass Larsen’s political career is overshadowed by an indictment for possessing child abuse material, diminishing the significance of his new book, “Relapse.” The book, intended as a political memoir and manifesto, is largely consumed by the author’s attempt to defend himself against the accusations.

The reviewer highlights the book’s partisan nature, noting the absence of external sources or documentation beyond Sass Larsen’s own account. The book is viewed as a desperate act of self-defense, with Sass Larsen proclaiming his innocence against widespread public perception. The timing of the book’s release, self-published after other publishers withdrew due to the indictment, further emphasizes the author’s struggle to clear his name.

A key point of contention raised in the review is Sass Larsen’s decision not to involve the police after allegedly receiving disturbing film clips anonymously. According to his account, these clips led him to believe he was sexually abused as a child, yet he chose to investigate the matter himself rather than seek law enforcement assistance. This decision, previously discussed in interviews and media features, raises questions about his motivations and credibility.

Despite the controversy, the book delves into Sass Larsen’s difficult childhood, detailing experiences of violence, neglect, and abandonment. The reviewer acknowledges the tragic nature of these personal accounts, which culminate in Sass Larsen’s placement in a children’s home. He found solace in a friend’s family, whose care and love stood in stark contrast to the failures of the authorities.

The review also touches upon Sass Larsen’s political career, acknowledging his instrumental role in Helle Thorning-Schmidt’s rise to power within the Social Democratic party. However, it also mentions the setback he faced when he was denied security clearance in 2011, costing him the expected position of finance minister. The author expresses anger towards officials involved in this decision, describing it as a traumatic experience.

The book also reveals Sass Larsen’s distrust of authorities, stemming from scrutiny of his private finances and concerns about the misuse of his personal information. This distrust is cited as a possible explanation for his reluctance to contact the police regarding the film clips. The review concludes by emphasizing that Sass Larsen’s fate now rests with the courts, which will consider his explanations in the upcoming trial.