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The Elements #2
Earth
From million-copy-bestselling author John Boyne, an inescapably gritty story about one young man whose direction in life takes a vastly different turn than what he expected.
It’s the tabloid sensation of the two well-known footballers standing in the dock, charged with sexual assault, a series of vile text messages pointing towards their guilt.
As the trial unfolds, Evan Keogh reflects on the events that have led him to this moment. Since leaving his island home, his life has been a lie on many levels. He’s a talented footballer who wanted to be an artist. A gay man in a sport that rejects diversity. A defendant whose knowledge of what took place on that fateful night threatens more than just his freedom or career.
The jury will deliver a verdict but, before they do, Evan must judge for himself whether the man he has become is the man he wanted to be.
It’s the tabloid sensation of the two well-known footballers standing in the dock, charged with sexual assault, a series of vile text messages pointing towards their guilt.
As the trial unfolds, Evan Keogh reflects on the events that have led him to this moment. Since leaving his island home, his life has been a lie on many levels. He’s a talented footballer who wanted to be an artist. A gay man in a sport that rejects diversity. A defendant whose knowledge of what took place on that fateful night threatens more than just his freedom or career.
The jury will deliver a verdict but, before they do, Evan must judge for himself whether the man he has become is the man he wanted to be.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2024
383 people are currently reading
8,995 people want to read
About the author
John Boyne
81books13.8kfollowersI was born in Dublin, Ireland, and studied English Literature at Trinity College, Dublin, and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. In 2015, I was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by UEA.
I’ve published 14 novels for adults, 6 novels for younger readers, and a short story collection. The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas was a New York Times no.1 Bestseller and was adapted for a feature film, a play, a ballet and an opera, selling around 11 million copies worldwide.
Among my most popular books are The Heart’s Invisible Furies, A Ladder to the Sky and My Brother’s Name is Jessica.
I’m also a regular book reviewer for The Irish Times.
In 2012, I was awarded the Hennessy Literary ‘Hall of Fame� Award for my body of work. I’ve also won 4 Irish Book Awards, and many international literary awards, including the Que Leer Award for Novel of the Year in Spain and the Gustav Heinemann Peace Prize in Germany. In 2015, I was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of East Anglia.
My novels are published in 58 languages.
My 14th adult novel, ALL THE BROKEN PLACES, a sequel and companion novel to THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS, will be published in the UK on September 15th 2022, in the US and Canada on November 29th, and in many foreign language editions in late 2022 and 2023.
I’ve published 14 novels for adults, 6 novels for younger readers, and a short story collection. The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas was a New York Times no.1 Bestseller and was adapted for a feature film, a play, a ballet and an opera, selling around 11 million copies worldwide.
Among my most popular books are The Heart’s Invisible Furies, A Ladder to the Sky and My Brother’s Name is Jessica.
I’m also a regular book reviewer for The Irish Times.
In 2012, I was awarded the Hennessy Literary ‘Hall of Fame� Award for my body of work. I’ve also won 4 Irish Book Awards, and many international literary awards, including the Que Leer Award for Novel of the Year in Spain and the Gustav Heinemann Peace Prize in Germany. In 2015, I was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of East Anglia.
My novels are published in 58 languages.
My 14th adult novel, ALL THE BROKEN PLACES, a sequel and companion novel to THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS, will be published in the UK on September 15th 2022, in the US and Canada on November 29th, and in many foreign language editions in late 2022 and 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,081 reviews
April 21, 2024
Evan Keogh never wanted to be a professional footballer, he had no interest in the game, even though he had a great talent for it, no, he loved painting - abstract art was his passion, however, after showing his paintings to various galleries and being told he wasn’t good enough, he finally accepted the truth - art was not going to be a part of his future, but his God given talent for football was!
Right now though, he’s about to face trial alongside his teammate Robbie, on a charge of sexual assault, and we follow the trial and Evan’s life up to that point, as he reflects on events that led him to where he is now.
This is a powerful, sad, harrowing and emotional journey, with a headline that could have been ripped straight from the news headlines. Each character plays their role to perfection, flaws and all, which of course John Boyne excels at.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Right now though, he’s about to face trial alongside his teammate Robbie, on a charge of sexual assault, and we follow the trial and Evan’s life up to that point, as he reflects on events that led him to where he is now.
This is a powerful, sad, harrowing and emotional journey, with a headline that could have been ripped straight from the news headlines. Each character plays their role to perfection, flaws and all, which of course John Boyne excels at.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
September 6, 2024
I didn't realise Boyne's was part of a quartet until I stumbled across on Netgalley. almost managed to slip by me, which would have been a shame. These first two stories are incredible.
As with , explores themes of guilt and culpability. It's a character portrait of young footballer Evan Keogh as he stands trial alongside his teammate for an horrific crime. In Boyne's he spent almost 600 pages on a life story, but with this book he shows he can do it almost as well in a fraction of that.
Evan's story is moving and, to be frank, utterly miserable. Like Vanessa in , Evan is both complicit and a victim, unlikable in many ways, yet surely deserving of some sympathy. Thoughtful character studies like this are one of my greatest pleasures to read, harrowing though they may be.
Please note that this contains depictions of sexual assault, abuse and homophobia.
As with , explores themes of guilt and culpability. It's a character portrait of young footballer Evan Keogh as he stands trial alongside his teammate for an horrific crime. In Boyne's he spent almost 600 pages on a life story, but with this book he shows he can do it almost as well in a fraction of that.
Evan's story is moving and, to be frank, utterly miserable. Like Vanessa in , Evan is both complicit and a victim, unlikable in many ways, yet surely deserving of some sympathy. Thoughtful character studies like this are one of my greatest pleasures to read, harrowing though they may be.
Please note that this contains depictions of sexual assault, abuse and homophobia.
December 26, 2024
It’s not to wonder whether all of this will simply come down to who speaks last
The experience of a juror when trying to determine the truth.
This is a story about Evan, a young professional footballer (soccer for our US friends) who is charged as an accessory to rape. The rape he is an accessory to, is the alleged rape committed by his teammate Robbie. Evan allegedly filmed Robbie raping a woman at a party.
The premise of this story is as simple as that. The brilliant John Boyne manages to craft a complex story in only 165 pages. A story involving themes of toxic masculinity, sexual abuse, power in relationships, homosexuality, dysfunctional families, and a little bit of football.
Much of this story is set in the courtroom � riveting stuff. Yes, we see how the defence goes for the victim, we see the reactions of jurors � the tension. The anxieties of the accused. Boyne also takes us back in time, where we see how Evan became a professional footballer. A gay lad, not really interested in the game, he just wanted to be an artist.
This book, Earth, is the second book in his Water, Earth, Fire and Air series. This is just as good as the first, I loved it. It causes one to reflect, not only on our own beliefs and prejudices, but also society’s. It will make you think about how effective our judicial system is.
You may even wonder why some (many ?) men involved in team sports need to have their teammates watching them while they have consensual or non-consensual sex with a woman.
Heavy stuff.
Brilliant.
5 Stars
My review of Water is here - /review/show...
The experience of a juror when trying to determine the truth.
This is a story about Evan, a young professional footballer (soccer for our US friends) who is charged as an accessory to rape. The rape he is an accessory to, is the alleged rape committed by his teammate Robbie. Evan allegedly filmed Robbie raping a woman at a party.
The premise of this story is as simple as that. The brilliant John Boyne manages to craft a complex story in only 165 pages. A story involving themes of toxic masculinity, sexual abuse, power in relationships, homosexuality, dysfunctional families, and a little bit of football.
Much of this story is set in the courtroom � riveting stuff. Yes, we see how the defence goes for the victim, we see the reactions of jurors � the tension. The anxieties of the accused. Boyne also takes us back in time, where we see how Evan became a professional footballer. A gay lad, not really interested in the game, he just wanted to be an artist.
This book, Earth, is the second book in his Water, Earth, Fire and Air series. This is just as good as the first, I loved it. It causes one to reflect, not only on our own beliefs and prejudices, but also society’s. It will make you think about how effective our judicial system is.
You may even wonder why some (many ?) men involved in team sports need to have their teammates watching them while they have consensual or non-consensual sex with a woman.
Heavy stuff.
Brilliant.
5 Stars
My review of Water is here - /review/show...
November 27, 2024
This is the second novella in Boyne’s “Elements� series.
We met Evan Keogh briefly in the first novella “Water�, at the end of that book Evan’s mom urged him to leave the island on the boat that Vanessa was leaving on.
Evan is a young man running towards a new life where he can be himself (he is homosexual) looking for acceptance and love and to be a painter.. his dad wanted him to be a footballer. The dirt, soil, and earth are featured as metaphors throughout this story.. his dad was a farmer on the island.
Evan and a fellow footballer(yes, he does become an important one) become embroiled in a sexual assault case and Boyne uses flashbacks to see how Evan got himself into this position.
There are so many topics covered in this book of only 176 pages…abuse, poor choices, being responsible for your actions, social media impact on young lives,consequences of fame and wealth on young lives� just so much.
I’m of course looking forward to the third novella .. “Fire�
We met Evan Keogh briefly in the first novella “Water�, at the end of that book Evan’s mom urged him to leave the island on the boat that Vanessa was leaving on.
Evan is a young man running towards a new life where he can be himself (he is homosexual) looking for acceptance and love and to be a painter.. his dad wanted him to be a footballer. The dirt, soil, and earth are featured as metaphors throughout this story.. his dad was a farmer on the island.
Evan and a fellow footballer(yes, he does become an important one) become embroiled in a sexual assault case and Boyne uses flashbacks to see how Evan got himself into this position.
There are so many topics covered in this book of only 176 pages…abuse, poor choices, being responsible for your actions, social media impact on young lives,consequences of fame and wealth on young lives� just so much.
I’m of course looking forward to the third novella .. “Fire�
March 5, 2025
Evan Keogh always wanted to be a painter. He loved abstract art and thought he had something of a gift for it. His father wanted him to become a footballer, something he definitely had a gift for, yet this was something Evan had no interest in. We’d briefly met Evan in Boyne’s previous novella (in this set of four) , at the end of which he’d escaped the small island off the west coast of Ireland where he’d lived with his parents. His aim is to find a new life.
When we catch up with him here he’s a professional footballer, playing for a club in the second tier of English football. Evan is gay, which is a challenge in itself given football’s homophobic environment. Details of his sexuality are not widely known, even amongst his teammates. But at least one is aware - Rob, his closest friend at the club. So Evan is successful and has money, but is he happy? The answer is no; Evan simply see’s football as a way to build up sufficient savings to allow him to live the life he really wants. But now he’s in trouble: he’s due to appear in court along with Rob, accused of sexual assault.
So how did he end up in this place, and what does it all mean for his future? As the story of Evan’s life after leaving the island begins to be told, we learn how a collision of bad people, bad luck, and poor choices have led him here. There are unexpected linkages to be revealed, too, and in the end, Evan is left with decisions to be made that will determine how his life will play out from this point.
It’s another powerful story from a writer whose themes and whose characters often highlight the significant challenges life can throw up. Who is to be trusted, and what light will guide us through the maze set out in front of us? The choices we make will sometimes have little significance, and yet others are likely to define us. A moral compass is a useful ally, but it might yet lead us to places we've no desire to go.
My thanks to Random House UK for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
When we catch up with him here he’s a professional footballer, playing for a club in the second tier of English football. Evan is gay, which is a challenge in itself given football’s homophobic environment. Details of his sexuality are not widely known, even amongst his teammates. But at least one is aware - Rob, his closest friend at the club. So Evan is successful and has money, but is he happy? The answer is no; Evan simply see’s football as a way to build up sufficient savings to allow him to live the life he really wants. But now he’s in trouble: he’s due to appear in court along with Rob, accused of sexual assault.
So how did he end up in this place, and what does it all mean for his future? As the story of Evan’s life after leaving the island begins to be told, we learn how a collision of bad people, bad luck, and poor choices have led him here. There are unexpected linkages to be revealed, too, and in the end, Evan is left with decisions to be made that will determine how his life will play out from this point.
It’s another powerful story from a writer whose themes and whose characters often highlight the significant challenges life can throw up. Who is to be trusted, and what light will guide us through the maze set out in front of us? The choices we make will sometimes have little significance, and yet others are likely to define us. A moral compass is a useful ally, but it might yet lead us to places we've no desire to go.
My thanks to Random House UK for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 14, 2024
5�
� ‘Watch your tone,� he says quietly, and my nostrils fill with the smell of the loam, as they always do when I’m frightened or when I remember what I did that made me run away in the first place.�
Evan Keogh is a famous footballer (the code played around the world, aka soccer), something his father desperately wanted to be himself and then tried just as desperately to make his son play.
Evan’s dream was to be a painter, not to be living on his controlling father’s farm on the tiny island of 400 people off the coast of Ireland in which he featured in the previous book in this quartet, . And even “the mainland�, Ireland, isn’t good enough. He took off to the real “mainland�, Britain.
He escaped to try his hand at supporting himself with his painting but realized that he is to art what his father is to football � mediocre, at best.
“The only thing that reappeared time and again in my work were images of soil, not the smooth, tilled land of the farm I was working on, but the rough, unploughed hills that led from the island port to my parents� house. I was reared in the mud and the dirt, and it showed up repeatedly on my canvases, even when I didn’t want it to. But the earth is a part of me. The feel of it on my skin. The taste of it in my mouth.
It may be a part of him, but there was no way he was ready to go back. He’s gay, and deep in the closet on the island, so his only escape was mainland football after all.
“I couldn’t allow myself to return to the island. Not because I was afraid to admit failure but because I didn’t want to grow old with the eternal mud beneath my fingernails, dirt that would remain there stubbornly, no matter how hard I tried to wash it away.�
Now he’s a handsome, popular star who says his only trouble has been paying for his own drinks. Living the dream, right? But he’s in the middle of a rape trial, what could be called a typical football scandal, where his friend is accused, but he was a witness.
That’s what his father was ringing him about in the opening quotation. He always knows better, always offers advice. Evan is getting ready for court.
“I throw the phone on to the bed and take a long, hot shower, shaving carefully, then use the hairdryer to plump up my blond curls. I know how innocent they make me look, and I might as well take advantage of that. My face has a childlike aspect to it, making me appear younger than my twenty- two years. More innocent. If I wasn’t so well known in the city, I’d have trouble getting served in bars.�
Yes, he seems a bit stuck on himself, doesn’t he? Mostly, he’s trying to survive. He has a complicated relationship with soil, dirt, mud, earth, much as the main character in had with water.
The other recurring theme, if you like, is Father Ifechi Onkin, the Nigerian priest from the tiny island who befriended Willow (Vanessa) in . Neither she nor Evan are religious, but he tends his island flock anyway and turns up at Evan’s trial. Their conversation is revealing.
It seems hard to talk about Ireland without referring to religion. I think Boyne’s choice of a Nigerian priest is a great way to illustrate the changes that actually are taking place, in spite of the changes that refuse to take place. The priest says he, of course, will one day go back to Nigeria to be buried with his own people, just as Evan will one day. Evan insists he’s not going back.
But the book opens with Evan thinking about this very thing.
“I dreamed that I dreamed about the musty grey soil of the island and the sweet perfume it emits after rainfall, a double remove from a place I will never visit again. My mother explained to me once that the fragrance comes from a combination of chemicals and bacteria in the earth which form filaments when wet, sending spores of aromatic vapour into the air. We find the scent comforting, she told me, because we want to believe there’ll be a welcoming place for us one day, when we’re buried deep inside it.�
I never thought about it that way.
I’m now waiting for the third of the four novels in The Elements collection because the first two are so good. In Boyne’s stories, two plus two always amounts to so much more than a mere four parts. I am willing to bet that these four stories will be something special.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Transworld Publishers for a copy for review of #Earth.
Now we’re waiting for Fire and Air, John.
My review of Water
� ‘Watch your tone,� he says quietly, and my nostrils fill with the smell of the loam, as they always do when I’m frightened or when I remember what I did that made me run away in the first place.�
Evan Keogh is a famous footballer (the code played around the world, aka soccer), something his father desperately wanted to be himself and then tried just as desperately to make his son play.
Evan’s dream was to be a painter, not to be living on his controlling father’s farm on the tiny island of 400 people off the coast of Ireland in which he featured in the previous book in this quartet, . And even “the mainland�, Ireland, isn’t good enough. He took off to the real “mainland�, Britain.
He escaped to try his hand at supporting himself with his painting but realized that he is to art what his father is to football � mediocre, at best.
“The only thing that reappeared time and again in my work were images of soil, not the smooth, tilled land of the farm I was working on, but the rough, unploughed hills that led from the island port to my parents� house. I was reared in the mud and the dirt, and it showed up repeatedly on my canvases, even when I didn’t want it to. But the earth is a part of me. The feel of it on my skin. The taste of it in my mouth.
It may be a part of him, but there was no way he was ready to go back. He’s gay, and deep in the closet on the island, so his only escape was mainland football after all.
“I couldn’t allow myself to return to the island. Not because I was afraid to admit failure but because I didn’t want to grow old with the eternal mud beneath my fingernails, dirt that would remain there stubbornly, no matter how hard I tried to wash it away.�
Now he’s a handsome, popular star who says his only trouble has been paying for his own drinks. Living the dream, right? But he’s in the middle of a rape trial, what could be called a typical football scandal, where his friend is accused, but he was a witness.
That’s what his father was ringing him about in the opening quotation. He always knows better, always offers advice. Evan is getting ready for court.
“I throw the phone on to the bed and take a long, hot shower, shaving carefully, then use the hairdryer to plump up my blond curls. I know how innocent they make me look, and I might as well take advantage of that. My face has a childlike aspect to it, making me appear younger than my twenty- two years. More innocent. If I wasn’t so well known in the city, I’d have trouble getting served in bars.�
Yes, he seems a bit stuck on himself, doesn’t he? Mostly, he’s trying to survive. He has a complicated relationship with soil, dirt, mud, earth, much as the main character in had with water.
The other recurring theme, if you like, is Father Ifechi Onkin, the Nigerian priest from the tiny island who befriended Willow (Vanessa) in . Neither she nor Evan are religious, but he tends his island flock anyway and turns up at Evan’s trial. Their conversation is revealing.
It seems hard to talk about Ireland without referring to religion. I think Boyne’s choice of a Nigerian priest is a great way to illustrate the changes that actually are taking place, in spite of the changes that refuse to take place. The priest says he, of course, will one day go back to Nigeria to be buried with his own people, just as Evan will one day. Evan insists he’s not going back.
But the book opens with Evan thinking about this very thing.
“I dreamed that I dreamed about the musty grey soil of the island and the sweet perfume it emits after rainfall, a double remove from a place I will never visit again. My mother explained to me once that the fragrance comes from a combination of chemicals and bacteria in the earth which form filaments when wet, sending spores of aromatic vapour into the air. We find the scent comforting, she told me, because we want to believe there’ll be a welcoming place for us one day, when we’re buried deep inside it.�
I never thought about it that way.
I’m now waiting for the third of the four novels in The Elements collection because the first two are so good. In Boyne’s stories, two plus two always amounts to so much more than a mere four parts. I am willing to bet that these four stories will be something special.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Transworld Publishers for a copy for review of #Earth.
Now we’re waiting for Fire and Air, John.
My review of Water
March 20, 2024
4.5
Another harrowing part of John Boyne's Elements series. This time he focuses on Evan Keogh, who left the island the same day as Willow/Vanessa (who was the protagonist in Water).
Evan left the island to escape his father, wanting to be an artist, but things do not go as planned. Finding himself jobless and without support for a second time after his arrival in England Evan decides to do the only thing he knows he excels at - football. He has his reasons for picking the Championship club he does but the main one is defender, Robbie.
We start the story with Evan heading to a court room to hear the verdict in a case involving the alleged rape of a girl by Robbie in which Evan has played a significant part.
I'm not going to tell you this is an easy read because it's not. It's no more harrowing than Water though. John Boyne does not pick easy subjects. I found Water (and subsequently Earth) much easier to read than Boyne's longer novels because the prose has to be condensed into the salient facts. That's not to say the say it is any less shocking or unpalatable but, as with Water, these things happen. We have seen a catalogue of famous people heading into court to defend current or past actions and it is always divisive and emotive. Boyne manages very cleverly to condense the emotion so it does not become overwhelming.
Whichever side you find yourself supporting I can tell you that Mr Boyne does not leave you hanging at the end. Although it's hard to like any character in this book you should find yourself having sympathy in some small measure.
I am looking forward to seeing where Mr Boyne takes us in Fire.
Another harrowing part of John Boyne's Elements series. This time he focuses on Evan Keogh, who left the island the same day as Willow/Vanessa (who was the protagonist in Water).
Evan left the island to escape his father, wanting to be an artist, but things do not go as planned. Finding himself jobless and without support for a second time after his arrival in England Evan decides to do the only thing he knows he excels at - football. He has his reasons for picking the Championship club he does but the main one is defender, Robbie.
We start the story with Evan heading to a court room to hear the verdict in a case involving the alleged rape of a girl by Robbie in which Evan has played a significant part.
I'm not going to tell you this is an easy read because it's not. It's no more harrowing than Water though. John Boyne does not pick easy subjects. I found Water (and subsequently Earth) much easier to read than Boyne's longer novels because the prose has to be condensed into the salient facts. That's not to say the say it is any less shocking or unpalatable but, as with Water, these things happen. We have seen a catalogue of famous people heading into court to defend current or past actions and it is always divisive and emotive. Boyne manages very cleverly to condense the emotion so it does not become overwhelming.
Whichever side you find yourself supporting I can tell you that Mr Boyne does not leave you hanging at the end. Although it's hard to like any character in this book you should find yourself having sympathy in some small measure.
I am looking forward to seeing where Mr Boyne takes us in Fire.
January 28, 2025
The Elements series by John Boyne is a collection of four novellas � Water, Earth, Fire, and Air (Release Date: 1st May 2025) � each representing the four elements found in nature. Earth is #2.
It’s the first day of a sensational trial. Famous footballer Evan Keogh stands accused of filming his fellow teammate and friend, Robbie Wolverton, having sex with a teenage girl. They claim it was consensual, she says it wasn’t. This is Evan’s story.
#1 Water contained some dark themes � Earth is progressively darker and bleaker. The prose was John Boyne’s usual high standard � immersive, poetic and lyrical, and I loved the way he utilised earth and water in his writing. The directions the plot took were twists I did not see coming. Evan’s character played a peripheral role in Water. He had grown up on the never-named island Willow (the main character in Water) fled to, located somewhere off the Galway coast of Ireland, and Earth answered some burning questions I had regarding his appearance in the first instalment. Five years have passed since the events of that one, and in the current timeline Evan is twenty-two, with flashbacks to the intervening years, aged 17-22.
Be advised that the content warnings listed in spoiler tags below contain major spoilers for this novella, and the series overall. I only include them because the crimes perpetrated in this book will be very triggering for some readers.
Trigger Warnings:
It’s the first day of a sensational trial. Famous footballer Evan Keogh stands accused of filming his fellow teammate and friend, Robbie Wolverton, having sex with a teenage girl. They claim it was consensual, she says it wasn’t. This is Evan’s story.
#1 Water contained some dark themes � Earth is progressively darker and bleaker. The prose was John Boyne’s usual high standard � immersive, poetic and lyrical, and I loved the way he utilised earth and water in his writing. The directions the plot took were twists I did not see coming. Evan’s character played a peripheral role in Water. He had grown up on the never-named island Willow (the main character in Water) fled to, located somewhere off the Galway coast of Ireland, and Earth answered some burning questions I had regarding his appearance in the first instalment. Five years have passed since the events of that one, and in the current timeline Evan is twenty-two, with flashbacks to the intervening years, aged 17-22.
Be advised that the content warnings listed in spoiler tags below contain major spoilers for this novella, and the series overall. I only include them because the crimes perpetrated in this book will be very triggering for some readers.
Trigger Warnings:
November 13, 2024
5 � Great book!!! The story was unsettling but captivating. I’m already ready for the third and fourth elements! Next up: Fire—can’t wait! 🌝🌚
I have to admit, I really liked Dane Whyte O'Hara's narration!! :)
I have to admit, I really liked Dane Whyte O'Hara's narration!! :)
January 7, 2024
Earth is the second book in John Boyne’s Elements series. Evan Keogh never wanted to be a footballer: that was his father, Charlie’s dream. Now that he finally, reluctantly, is and, at twenty-two, obscenely rich into the bargain, an incident sees him getting the sort of publicity his club, and his father, would rather avoid.
He is before the court as an accessory to a rape by his teammate, Robbie Wolverton, son of a peer. There’s pressure for him to back up Robbie’s story, to avoid a conviction. As he watches their female barrister methodically tear the victim’s credibility to shreds, his thoughts return to his departure from the island, and what followed.
Evan’s dream is to be an artist, it’s what he left the island, and his father’s iron rule, to become. Evan has a talent for football, and Charlie can’t understand why he doesn’t want to make a career of it.
Nor would Charlie understand Evan’s sexual preferences, if he knew, or the heartbreak of rejection that sent him out alone in bad weather: suicide by fishing boat. Maggie Keogh helps her son escape. But an aspiring artist has to eat, to live, so when Rafe, obviously wealthy and influential, propositions him, he acquiesces, only to be repeatedly used by different men of power. When that ends, football is his last resort.
Much later, Evan reflects: “I became a different boy than the one I was supposed to be. I wanted to be a painter. I wanted to be good. I wanted to love someone, and to be loved in return. But none of these ambitions came to be. I think, sometimes, there are people who are destined never to have anyone fall in love with them. It doesn’t matter what they look like, how they behave, how much money they have, how much kindness exists in their heart. The love of another person is simply never going to be theirs. There’s some aspect of them, something inherent, something indefinable, that makes people turn away. And I think I’m one of those people.�
Boyne gives the reader some wonderful descriptive prose: “the two of them laughing uproariously over some private joke, displaying their great white teeth and their glorious, unassailable privilege.� His characters, their flaws and failings, will resonate with readers, and the ending of this short piece is perfect.
While Evan, and some of the minor characters in this story, including the island off Galway, appear in Water, this one can stand alone. And as with Water, Boyne tackles a sensitive and topical subject, and manages, in less than two hundred pages, to really pack a punch.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Random House UK Transworld.
He is before the court as an accessory to a rape by his teammate, Robbie Wolverton, son of a peer. There’s pressure for him to back up Robbie’s story, to avoid a conviction. As he watches their female barrister methodically tear the victim’s credibility to shreds, his thoughts return to his departure from the island, and what followed.
Evan’s dream is to be an artist, it’s what he left the island, and his father’s iron rule, to become. Evan has a talent for football, and Charlie can’t understand why he doesn’t want to make a career of it.
Nor would Charlie understand Evan’s sexual preferences, if he knew, or the heartbreak of rejection that sent him out alone in bad weather: suicide by fishing boat. Maggie Keogh helps her son escape. But an aspiring artist has to eat, to live, so when Rafe, obviously wealthy and influential, propositions him, he acquiesces, only to be repeatedly used by different men of power. When that ends, football is his last resort.
Much later, Evan reflects: “I became a different boy than the one I was supposed to be. I wanted to be a painter. I wanted to be good. I wanted to love someone, and to be loved in return. But none of these ambitions came to be. I think, sometimes, there are people who are destined never to have anyone fall in love with them. It doesn’t matter what they look like, how they behave, how much money they have, how much kindness exists in their heart. The love of another person is simply never going to be theirs. There’s some aspect of them, something inherent, something indefinable, that makes people turn away. And I think I’m one of those people.�
Boyne gives the reader some wonderful descriptive prose: “the two of them laughing uproariously over some private joke, displaying their great white teeth and their glorious, unassailable privilege.� His characters, their flaws and failings, will resonate with readers, and the ending of this short piece is perfect.
While Evan, and some of the minor characters in this story, including the island off Galway, appear in Water, this one can stand alone. And as with Water, Boyne tackles a sensitive and topical subject, and manages, in less than two hundred pages, to really pack a punch.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Random House UK Transworld.
January 12, 2024
The second book in the Elements series by John Boyne. I didn’t find it as impressive and mind blowing as Water, but it was still very good. Boyne writes in a way that you can’t stop reading. He tells just enough to keep you curious and drive you forward. Very well done again. I’m looking forward to Fire!
Thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for the advanced copy.
Thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for the advanced copy.
September 9, 2024
Als John Boyne al ergens een patent op heeft, is het: je van je stoel blazen met die ene plotwending die je niét zag aankomen. En je vervolgens met een krop in de keel achterlaten.
Hij deed het (onder meer) in het boek dat hem wereldberoemd maakte en hij doet het nu weer.
‘Aarde� is het tweede deel van een vierluik. Voorlopig is nog niet hélemaal duidelijk wat het verband is met het eerste deel, of het moet het eiland zijn waar Vanessa in ‘Water� terechtkomt en waar Evan zo snel als mogelijk vandaan wil.
Omdat de achttienjarige aanvankelijk liever zijn handen dan zijn briljante voeten gebruikt, wordt hij misbruikt. Als hij uiteindelijk toegeeft aan zijn grootste talent - voetbal - lijkt hem dat alweer in het ongeluk te storten.
Luchtig is ‘Aarde� nooit, al doet de bekende heldere stijl van Boyne eerst anders vermoeden, maar naarmate het verhaal vordert, wordt het steeds donkerder.
Het vurige pleidooi van de advocaat van Evan in de verkrachtingszaak waarin hij schijnbaar per ongeluk betrokken raakte, lijkt voor de definitieve wending te zorgen.
Maar dan ken je Boyne nog niet.
‘Aarde� is als een wervelende cupfinale waarin het winnende doelpunt in de allerlaatste minuut van de verlengingen wordt gescoord.
Vraag is alleen: door wie?
Hij deed het (onder meer) in het boek dat hem wereldberoemd maakte en hij doet het nu weer.
‘Aarde� is het tweede deel van een vierluik. Voorlopig is nog niet hélemaal duidelijk wat het verband is met het eerste deel, of het moet het eiland zijn waar Vanessa in ‘Water� terechtkomt en waar Evan zo snel als mogelijk vandaan wil.
Omdat de achttienjarige aanvankelijk liever zijn handen dan zijn briljante voeten gebruikt, wordt hij misbruikt. Als hij uiteindelijk toegeeft aan zijn grootste talent - voetbal - lijkt hem dat alweer in het ongeluk te storten.
Luchtig is ‘Aarde� nooit, al doet de bekende heldere stijl van Boyne eerst anders vermoeden, maar naarmate het verhaal vordert, wordt het steeds donkerder.
Het vurige pleidooi van de advocaat van Evan in de verkrachtingszaak waarin hij schijnbaar per ongeluk betrokken raakte, lijkt voor de definitieve wending te zorgen.
Maar dan ken je Boyne nog niet.
‘Aarde� is als een wervelende cupfinale waarin het winnende doelpunt in de allerlaatste minuut van de verlengingen wordt gescoord.
Vraag is alleen: door wie?
Read
January 14, 2025«Como sempre nos livros de John Boyne, impressionou-me também a mestria com que o autor pega na complexidade humana, em temas tão elásticos como a culpa, ou a dicotomia verdade-mentira, e consegue desenvolvê-los de forma a prender-nos do início ao fim. Acho mesmo que poucas pessoas escrevem tão bem quanto este homem, e tenho pena de que não seja mais falado. Nota-se que escreve de um lugar de empatia, e de tentativa de compreensão de realidades que nem sempre são a dele, e admiro-o muito por isso.»
Review completa em: .
Review completa em: .
May 28, 2024
Earth is the second in a series of four loosely connected books. I adored the first book, Water, but for some reason I didn't have that same connection with this one, which is strange because normally I love all things John Boyne. It may be that the writing in Earth was harsher and the upsetting scenes more vividly described compared to his other novels, or it may be because I'm sick in bed with swine flu.
It definitely packed a punch though and the audio narration by Dane Whyte O’Hara was amazing.
The Story: After fleeing his remote island home, Evan Keogh has found success as a professional footballer, but he must now defend himself in court charged as an accessory to a friend's rape of a young woman.
It definitely packed a punch though and the audio narration by Dane Whyte O’Hara was amazing.
The Story: After fleeing his remote island home, Evan Keogh has found success as a professional footballer, but he must now defend himself in court charged as an accessory to a friend's rape of a young woman.
June 2, 2024
John Boyne is one of those excellent writers who can weave a captivating story while courageously exploring what it means to be a moral man. And god knows, in today’s times, an analysis of living with oneself after performing deeds inconsistent with the person we hoped we would be is sorely needed.
Evan Keough is a young gay man who yearns to be a painter. He has talent, but maybe not enough. So he takes the easy route, becoming a footballer—a skill that is natural to him. We know Evan has had a tough time of it, with an abusive father and the abusive, even dangerous, male prostitution that follows.
Being a sports hero is often the path to a life of ease and admiration. But rarely on, we learn that Evan and his fellow footballer, Robbie Wolverton � who he is attracted to � are on trial for the rape of a woman they met at a pub. The woman claims that Robbie raped her, and Evan taped the whole thing on his phone. Problem is, the phone is missing. And while we suspect she is telling the truth, we don’t know with certainty.
This spare novel raises important questions: how responsible are we for the choices we make in life? Are we at the mercy of moneyed people who always seem to catch the breaks and who not only define justice, but deliver it in ways beneficial to them? Does it pay to possess a moral compass if the game of life is rigged? What price do we pay if we obey that moral compass and regain our sense of self-respect but lose our freedom in the process? Most importantly, do we really have freedom if we don’t have authenticity? Another stunner from one of my favorite writers.
Evan Keough is a young gay man who yearns to be a painter. He has talent, but maybe not enough. So he takes the easy route, becoming a footballer—a skill that is natural to him. We know Evan has had a tough time of it, with an abusive father and the abusive, even dangerous, male prostitution that follows.
Being a sports hero is often the path to a life of ease and admiration. But rarely on, we learn that Evan and his fellow footballer, Robbie Wolverton � who he is attracted to � are on trial for the rape of a woman they met at a pub. The woman claims that Robbie raped her, and Evan taped the whole thing on his phone. Problem is, the phone is missing. And while we suspect she is telling the truth, we don’t know with certainty.
This spare novel raises important questions: how responsible are we for the choices we make in life? Are we at the mercy of moneyed people who always seem to catch the breaks and who not only define justice, but deliver it in ways beneficial to them? Does it pay to possess a moral compass if the game of life is rigged? What price do we pay if we obey that moral compass and regain our sense of self-respect but lose our freedom in the process? Most importantly, do we really have freedom if we don’t have authenticity? Another stunner from one of my favorite writers.
May 3, 2024
I fully accept that I seem to be an outlier with my 2 star review, but I was just so disappointed by this book.
I absolutely loved Water, and eagerly anticipated the next installation, but thought everything that I admired about that book, the subtlety with which the author handled heavy content and wove in to the story so well, was completely missing from this one.
I found the improbability of the story detracted from what he was trying to say, from the highly unlikely journey from male prostitution and serious abuse to professional footballer, and semi ridiculous 'audition' in to the club, to the out of kilter dialogue and chance encounters. It felt like two different authors.
Having said that, I'll still look forward to Fire and hold out hope!
I absolutely loved Water, and eagerly anticipated the next installation, but thought everything that I admired about that book, the subtlety with which the author handled heavy content and wove in to the story so well, was completely missing from this one.
I found the improbability of the story detracted from what he was trying to say, from the highly unlikely journey from male prostitution and serious abuse to professional footballer, and semi ridiculous 'audition' in to the club, to the out of kilter dialogue and chance encounters. It felt like two different authors.
Having said that, I'll still look forward to Fire and hold out hope!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2025
Another excellent story from John Boyne, full of pain and darkness. Tough subject matter but as always, beautifully crafted and memorable. His characters always stay with me.
August 7, 2024
Water ★★★★
Earth ★★★★
"Earth" is the second installment in the Elemental series, following Evan, a character who was first introduced in "Water." In this book, Evan takes center stage as a prominent football star.
The writing reflects Boyne's signature style—blending humor with serious themes that mirror real life. This novella weaves together two storylines: Evan's journey from his challenging upbringing to his success as a football player, a sport he excels in but doesn't enjoy, all while grappling with his sexuality. The second storyline explores Evan and his friend facing accusations of rape.
The book tackles weighty issues such as homophobia, abuse, and rape. Given the breadth of topics, the novella feels densely packed, and I wondered if these themes might have been better suited to a full-length novel. Despite this, the story feels complete, though some aspects, like the significance of juror No. 6, remain unclear—possibly hinting at future developments.
Boyne continues to address difficult subjects with finesse, and despite the novella's brevity, it still includes significant plot twists. The characters are complex and elicit a range of emotions. Overall, the novella is engaging and leaves me eager for Boyne's next installment.
Earth ★★★★
"Earth" is the second installment in the Elemental series, following Evan, a character who was first introduced in "Water." In this book, Evan takes center stage as a prominent football star.
The writing reflects Boyne's signature style—blending humor with serious themes that mirror real life. This novella weaves together two storylines: Evan's journey from his challenging upbringing to his success as a football player, a sport he excels in but doesn't enjoy, all while grappling with his sexuality. The second storyline explores Evan and his friend facing accusations of rape.
The book tackles weighty issues such as homophobia, abuse, and rape. Given the breadth of topics, the novella feels densely packed, and I wondered if these themes might have been better suited to a full-length novel. Despite this, the story feels complete, though some aspects, like the significance of juror No. 6, remain unclear—possibly hinting at future developments.
Boyne continues to address difficult subjects with finesse, and despite the novella's brevity, it still includes significant plot twists. The characters are complex and elicit a range of emotions. Overall, the novella is engaging and leaves me eager for Boyne's next installment.
January 10, 2025
I do not understand the rave reviews.
From the first chapter, I knew this wasn’t going to be a good book. The info dumping and clunky exposition were egregious, appearing to lack any care or attention.
Unfortunately, an absence of subtly continued through the entire story. No nuance was given to complex subject matter and any possibility for interesting discussions around these topics were actively avoided.
Also, I understand our protagonist is not supposed to be a good person but did he have to be so damn unlikeable? (And boring and one dimensional and repetitive?)
In fact, most characters were terribly written. The main emotion they elicited from me was contempt, and I do not think this was intentional. The only character I felt fondly towards was Lauren Macintosh, the 19-year-old accusing our main character and his best friend of rape and conspiracy to rape.
I feel I’m going mad reading through other reviews - in what world was this book ‘genius�? It was pretentious, implausible, poorly conceived, and annoying.
I don’t recommend.
From the first chapter, I knew this wasn’t going to be a good book. The info dumping and clunky exposition were egregious, appearing to lack any care or attention.
Unfortunately, an absence of subtly continued through the entire story. No nuance was given to complex subject matter and any possibility for interesting discussions around these topics were actively avoided.
Also, I understand our protagonist is not supposed to be a good person but did he have to be so damn unlikeable? (And boring and one dimensional and repetitive?)
In fact, most characters were terribly written. The main emotion they elicited from me was contempt, and I do not think this was intentional. The only character I felt fondly towards was Lauren Macintosh, the 19-year-old accusing our main character and his best friend of rape and conspiracy to rape.
I feel I’m going mad reading through other reviews - in what world was this book ‘genius�? It was pretentious, implausible, poorly conceived, and annoying.
I don’t recommend.
February 2, 2025
Heartbreaking. Devastating. Violent. Brilliant.
This book wasn’t easy and honestly, there were moments when I wanted to turn away, but Boyne (as is his habit) grabbed me from the first pages and never let me go. In only 166 pages, he told such a full-bodied, complex story of abuse and ego and sexism. This is the second book in Boyne’s “Elements� series and continues the story of Evan Keogh, a young abused gay man with an unwanted gift as a footballer. I knew from the first book that Evan was damaged by the ground where he was raised. I didn’t suspect what would follow.
Am I painting a bleak picture and are you wondering why you would want to read this? That’s fair. It won’t be easy for me to recommend this book to casual readers.
But, Boyne is a master novelist. And the way he weaves earth into Evan’s story is breathtaking. The ways he touched by heart and evoked my sympathy and built suspense (again, in so few pages) were things I couldn’t turn away from. I didn’t want a single page more of this story but couldn’t get enough of the ones I held in my hand. That’s a 5-star rating for me.
Already have Book 3, , on order. Hoping the fourth element, , is released in the U.S. soon.
This book wasn’t easy and honestly, there were moments when I wanted to turn away, but Boyne (as is his habit) grabbed me from the first pages and never let me go. In only 166 pages, he told such a full-bodied, complex story of abuse and ego and sexism. This is the second book in Boyne’s “Elements� series and continues the story of Evan Keogh, a young abused gay man with an unwanted gift as a footballer. I knew from the first book that Evan was damaged by the ground where he was raised. I didn’t suspect what would follow.
Am I painting a bleak picture and are you wondering why you would want to read this? That’s fair. It won’t be easy for me to recommend this book to casual readers.
But, Boyne is a master novelist. And the way he weaves earth into Evan’s story is breathtaking. The ways he touched by heart and evoked my sympathy and built suspense (again, in so few pages) were things I couldn’t turn away from. I didn’t want a single page more of this story but couldn’t get enough of the ones I held in my hand. That’s a 5-star rating for me.
Already have Book 3, , on order. Hoping the fourth element, , is released in the U.S. soon.
January 2, 2025
Another very impressive addition to Boyne’s elements series. Earth does all the good things that Water does- it’s taut, sparse, unflinching, observational writing about an extremely confronting topic. Earth is a bit more direct in its storytelling than Water is, which will appeal to some readers, while others will miss the subtleties. I loved seeing how Boyne would unspool the connections between the stories, and I look forward to seeing where this goes in Fire and Air.
December 20, 2023
This is a story about a young man at odds with the world and the people who live in the small island he grew up on.
When he travels to London to look for work he makes some wrong decisions and ends up in serious trouble.
A sad story about friendships and insecurities.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
When he travels to London to look for work he makes some wrong decisions and ends up in serious trouble.
A sad story about friendships and insecurities.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2024
Wtff c’était parfait encore 😭😭😭 je veux Fire TOUTE SUITE je peux pas attendre novembre
November 4, 2024
The second of the Elements series, and with connections to the first, Water.
This one concentrates on Evan, who is gay, but this has to be hidden, firstly because his father is hard and virulently homophobic. Evan moved to London, and dreams of being an artist, but soon realises that this is not something that can sustain him. Sadly, life takes a darker turn.
When that dark period disposes of him, he realises that he must turn to his real talent, which is football. The problem is, he does not actually like football, but he has no choice, as he never wants to return to the island where he grew up.
His friendship with another player leads him to being involved in an incident, following which serious allegations and a trial ensue.
John Boyne delivers once more, and I am already looking forward to "Fire".
This one concentrates on Evan, who is gay, but this has to be hidden, firstly because his father is hard and virulently homophobic. Evan moved to London, and dreams of being an artist, but soon realises that this is not something that can sustain him. Sadly, life takes a darker turn.
When that dark period disposes of him, he realises that he must turn to his real talent, which is football. The problem is, he does not actually like football, but he has no choice, as he never wants to return to the island where he grew up.
His friendship with another player leads him to being involved in an incident, following which serious allegations and a trial ensue.
John Boyne delivers once more, and I am already looking forward to "Fire".
August 13, 2024
This is the second book in the author's 'Elements' series and continues the story of Evan Keogh, whose mother helped to escape from the restrictive island community off the Galway coast as featured in the first book, .
Evan wanted to become an artist. He was a talented footballer but had no interest in the game. However, circumstances forced him to take up the role that his domineering father had always dreamed of for him and now Evan is a rich professional footballer for an English Championship side. Evan has never denied that he is gay although he doesn't exactly boast about it. His desire for fellow team-mate Robbie has led him into a situation where he is a co-defendant in the trial of Robbie for the rape of a teenage girl at Robbie's apartment, an incident that Evan watched and filmed on his phone.....
The book is about the trial but also about the things that Evan did between leaving the island and becoming a professional footballer - which features some shocking revelations and links. Just like the first book, this one packs a much bigger punch than one could imagine from its length. Even though a short book, I really found that I could empathise with several of the characters, particularly Evan himself and their accuser, Lauren. Some of the other characters - Rafe, Evan's dad - not so much! But in this conflict between the characters lies all that is great about the book and I am really looking forward to the next 'element', which should be 'Fire'. I am a lover of John Boyne's writing and have no hesitation in awarding this one 5 stars - 10/10.
Evan wanted to become an artist. He was a talented footballer but had no interest in the game. However, circumstances forced him to take up the role that his domineering father had always dreamed of for him and now Evan is a rich professional footballer for an English Championship side. Evan has never denied that he is gay although he doesn't exactly boast about it. His desire for fellow team-mate Robbie has led him into a situation where he is a co-defendant in the trial of Robbie for the rape of a teenage girl at Robbie's apartment, an incident that Evan watched and filmed on his phone.....
The book is about the trial but also about the things that Evan did between leaving the island and becoming a professional footballer - which features some shocking revelations and links. Just like the first book, this one packs a much bigger punch than one could imagine from its length. Even though a short book, I really found that I could empathise with several of the characters, particularly Evan himself and their accuser, Lauren. Some of the other characters - Rafe, Evan's dad - not so much! But in this conflict between the characters lies all that is great about the book and I am really looking forward to the next 'element', which should be 'Fire'. I am a lover of John Boyne's writing and have no hesitation in awarding this one 5 stars - 10/10.
March 18, 2025
The second volume in Boyne's tetralogy takes up with Evan Keogh, a secondary, fairly minor character in the first book, . That novella ends with its MC Willow/Vanessa and Evan both leaving a small island off the west coast of Ireland, Willow to return to Dublin, and Evan to escape the hometown he's lived in all his life and his suffocating family for a new life as his authentic gay self in the UK.
As it's revealed in the first chapter and the synopsis above (so not really a 'spoiler', but stop reading now if you want to go in fresh) - Evan has become a pro footballer (what we in the states would call a soccer player), even though he hates the game and would rather become a painter - although he has the skills to become the former, but not the latter. He and a fellow teammate in a second-tier league are also awaiting trial, the teammate for rape and Evan as accessory for filming the encounter.
As in the first book, the chapters alternate between the present day and the past, filling in how the protagonists got to be where they are, and ending once again on a somewhat hopeful, but inconclusive note. The third volume, , centers on Freya, who functions as the trial jury foreperson in this volume.
Oddly enough - all three volumes have exactly 15 chapters and 166 pages - not sure about the final tome, which I only have on Kindle via an ARC and has no page #s, since it won't be published until fall. However, if the final two volumes fulfill the promise of the first half, this will undoubtedly make my top 5 books of 2025.
As it's revealed in the first chapter and the synopsis above (so not really a 'spoiler', but stop reading now if you want to go in fresh) - Evan has become a pro footballer (what we in the states would call a soccer player), even though he hates the game and would rather become a painter - although he has the skills to become the former, but not the latter. He and a fellow teammate in a second-tier league are also awaiting trial, the teammate for rape and Evan as accessory for filming the encounter.
As in the first book, the chapters alternate between the present day and the past, filling in how the protagonists got to be where they are, and ending once again on a somewhat hopeful, but inconclusive note. The third volume, , centers on Freya, who functions as the trial jury foreperson in this volume.
Oddly enough - all three volumes have exactly 15 chapters and 166 pages - not sure about the final tome, which I only have on Kindle via an ARC and has no page #s, since it won't be published until fall. However, if the final two volumes fulfill the promise of the first half, this will undoubtedly make my top 5 books of 2025.
August 8, 2024
Ik was bijna geneigd om 5 sterren te geven aan dit boek nog vóór ik er in begonnen was, maar dat is een beetje belachelijk en absurd en vooral niet correct, i knooooow.
Maar kijk, helemaal mooi uitgelezen en #sorrynotsorry, opnieuw vijf sterren van mij voor den John. “Aarde� vind ik nog meer waw dan “Water�, heel graag gelezen, het verhaal pakte mijn nekvel direct ferm vast.
Zeer benieuwd naar boek 3 in The Elements reeks.
Maar kijk, helemaal mooi uitgelezen en #sorrynotsorry, opnieuw vijf sterren van mij voor den John. “Aarde� vind ik nog meer waw dan “Water�, heel graag gelezen, het verhaal pakte mijn nekvel direct ferm vast.
Zeer benieuwd naar boek 3 in The Elements reeks.
December 8, 2023
Earth is the second in John Boyne's Elements Quartet- following hot on the heels of the superb 'Water'.
This is the story of Evan - a young man striving to escape the world of his past and find his own freedom and identity ; but it's not that simple and the actions of one night and his presumed complicity in a sexual act leads to a downward spiralling of life.
Evan is a well-known professional footballer and gay and is accused of filming of the events of a sexual assault committed by a fellow player. The book is focussed around the court case and Evan's reflections back upon his past and the decisions he takes to move forward and survive..
This is a story about the need and desire to be loved and love and how the past can surprise/stifle/suffocate that instinct and feeling. The earth from which we come - our family - our roots- our home - builds that base and Evan's childhood and hidden sexuality has resulted in limited paternal loveland aggression and that natural instinct of being able to love is pushed deep within the earth.
Evan has a gift as a footballer but does not want to use it to the anger and chagrin of his father. When he' escapes' the island from where his family lives he wants to follow his dream to be an artist - but as the story proceeds his life takes a different and ultimately darker path.
The court case and details of Evan's life pull you in a multitude of directions- sympathy, empathy, moments of definite discomfort and a deepening feeling and sense of certainty that Evan is a victim of the life he has lived- but is he innocent of the crime that he is accused of?
John Boyne again challenges us as a reader to reflect upon the 'modern world' and lifestyle choices - the desire of many for fame, money , greed, control and their subsequent outcomes and the ever growing detachment felt by many that is disconnecting people from one another in so many ways. This is a book you will want to talk about and reflect upon- the denouement was certainly powerful-and no spoiler -again revealed how within the earth we can hide our darkest secrets.
This is a one seat read that will not allow you to breathe until the end
Highly recommended - a challenging and deeply thought provoking read
This is the story of Evan - a young man striving to escape the world of his past and find his own freedom and identity ; but it's not that simple and the actions of one night and his presumed complicity in a sexual act leads to a downward spiralling of life.
Evan is a well-known professional footballer and gay and is accused of filming of the events of a sexual assault committed by a fellow player. The book is focussed around the court case and Evan's reflections back upon his past and the decisions he takes to move forward and survive..
This is a story about the need and desire to be loved and love and how the past can surprise/stifle/suffocate that instinct and feeling. The earth from which we come - our family - our roots- our home - builds that base and Evan's childhood and hidden sexuality has resulted in limited paternal loveland aggression and that natural instinct of being able to love is pushed deep within the earth.
Evan has a gift as a footballer but does not want to use it to the anger and chagrin of his father. When he' escapes' the island from where his family lives he wants to follow his dream to be an artist - but as the story proceeds his life takes a different and ultimately darker path.
The court case and details of Evan's life pull you in a multitude of directions- sympathy, empathy, moments of definite discomfort and a deepening feeling and sense of certainty that Evan is a victim of the life he has lived- but is he innocent of the crime that he is accused of?
John Boyne again challenges us as a reader to reflect upon the 'modern world' and lifestyle choices - the desire of many for fame, money , greed, control and their subsequent outcomes and the ever growing detachment felt by many that is disconnecting people from one another in so many ways. This is a book you will want to talk about and reflect upon- the denouement was certainly powerful-and no spoiler -again revealed how within the earth we can hide our darkest secrets.
This is a one seat read that will not allow you to breathe until the end
Highly recommended - a challenging and deeply thought provoking read
March 30, 2025
This is the second of this trilogy that I have read. Fire is next on my list; just a short novella but I appreciate John Boyne's writing. He always has an important point to make in his writing. This one follows up on the life of Evan Keogh after he has left the island and moved to England to pursue a career in art as he had always dreamed. A born footballer, his father, an abusive bully tries to force him into a career on the pitch but he never liked the game. Unfortunately, he was not good as the artist he wanted to be and after getting involved with a shady character who ends up having power over his life while he prostitutes himself to a powerful and sadistic man. After being discarded by the man, he pursues football because he has no other way of making a living.
I won't give away the storyline but it involves decisions Evan must make and a courtcase which could decide his future. It's a great, quick read and one that leaves the reader with the satisfaction in knowing that Jon has done the right thing and is ready to face the consequences for his mistakes.
I won't give away the storyline but it involves decisions Evan must make and a courtcase which could decide his future. It's a great, quick read and one that leaves the reader with the satisfaction in knowing that Jon has done the right thing and is ready to face the consequences for his mistakes.
June 25, 2024
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again � Irish writers have my heart!
I inhaled both these incredible novellas. Boyne has a way of dragging you in and not letting go till the last, beautiful word.
These are the first two books in the quartet Elements series, and at just under 200 words, both pack a powerful punch and are simply breathtakingly crafted.
Both touch on tragic and tough subjects - in only the way Boyne can, they are evident of superb storytelling! Rich in character development and setting, you can’t help but feel engrossed, almost in love with the main characters - they beg you for sympathy, understanding, and so much more.
Both these books deftly weave and incorporate politics, marginalised communities, abuse and religion with note-perfect writing. The fact that Boyne can say so much, in so little words is what holds power.
I’ve been lucky to have read so many outstanding books this year, and these two are most deserved of all the stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to @netgalley @avonbooksuk @doubledayukbooksfor an advanced digital copy of both. I (of course) had to buy myself physical copies of both these gorgeous books.
I inhaled both these incredible novellas. Boyne has a way of dragging you in and not letting go till the last, beautiful word.
These are the first two books in the quartet Elements series, and at just under 200 words, both pack a powerful punch and are simply breathtakingly crafted.
Both touch on tragic and tough subjects - in only the way Boyne can, they are evident of superb storytelling! Rich in character development and setting, you can’t help but feel engrossed, almost in love with the main characters - they beg you for sympathy, understanding, and so much more.
Both these books deftly weave and incorporate politics, marginalised communities, abuse and religion with note-perfect writing. The fact that Boyne can say so much, in so little words is what holds power.
I’ve been lucky to have read so many outstanding books this year, and these two are most deserved of all the stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to @netgalley @avonbooksuk @doubledayukbooksfor an advanced digital copy of both. I (of course) had to buy myself physical copies of both these gorgeous books.
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