debi_g's review against another edition
This book stayed on my mind when I wasn't reading, which is always the sign of an engaging and rewarding reading experience.
Admittedly, after the first section on Erich Ackerman, I was reluctant to keep reading. It felt like a complete story on its own and, therefore, a stopping point. Soon, however, I grew to appreciate the varied narratives and the consistency of characterization regardless of viewpoint.
This novel deals so deftly with valid concerns regarding intellectual property, ownership, intent, inspiration, rationalization, and opportunity. The final chapter adds a chilling element of dark humor to debates regularly occurring among the literary world's finest minds. Moreover, the novel itself is oft compared to The Talented Mr. Ripley, injecting another twist for this literary thriller regarding the origins of inspiration.
I am late to the Boyne fan club, but I'm definitely a member.
Admittedly, after the first section on Erich Ackerman, I was reluctant to keep reading. It felt like a complete story on its own and, therefore, a stopping point. Soon, however, I grew to appreciate the varied narratives and the consistency of characterization regardless of viewpoint.
This novel deals so deftly with valid concerns regarding intellectual property, ownership, intent, inspiration, rationalization, and opportunity. The final chapter adds a chilling element of dark humor to debates regularly occurring among the literary world's finest minds. Moreover, the novel itself is oft compared to The Talented Mr. Ripley, injecting another twist for this literary thriller regarding the origins of inspiration.
I am late to the Boyne fan club, but I'm definitely a member.
bookapotamus's review against another edition
5.0
New favorite book alert! This one is SO. DAMN. GOOD.
I received an ARC of this a few months ago and wasn't really that intrigued by the description so it just sat here. And sat. And sat. But I've slowly been seeing more and more positive reviews about John Boyne's books - specifically The Hearts Invisible Furies. Which I also have. But it scares me. It's SO damn big!
As soon as I saw it was Book of the Month pick for November, I decided to give it a shot.
And I cannot even put into words how much this book enthralled me, how much I LOVED to hate Maurice, how beautiful the writing is, how creepy and riveting the story unfolds. Amazing. Just a pure literary delight.
Maurice Swift is a gorgeous man. He can basically get whatever he wants based on his looks alone. So, he decides that he is going to do just that, and get the one thing he does not have: the talent to write a good story. Sure, he's a good writer, but he just can't seem to come up with a good story, a plot that sells, a book that will make him famous. Throwing all morals out the window, he aligns himself with those who will get him those things that he needs to achieve the highest literary fame he can, no matter what it takes.
It's a thriller that just takes it to a level that is indescribable. The merciless acts Maurice goes through to satisfy his hunger for fame and recognition is equal parts insane, cold-blooded and at times, a bit hilarious. The story is the epitome of un-put-downable. This book will definitely be added to my "must read again" list - and soon. Highly recommend. A new favorite for sure.
I received an ARC of this a few months ago and wasn't really that intrigued by the description so it just sat here. And sat. And sat. But I've slowly been seeing more and more positive reviews about John Boyne's books - specifically The Hearts Invisible Furies. Which I also have. But it scares me. It's SO damn big!
As soon as I saw it was Book of the Month pick for November, I decided to give it a shot.
And I cannot even put into words how much this book enthralled me, how much I LOVED to hate Maurice, how beautiful the writing is, how creepy and riveting the story unfolds. Amazing. Just a pure literary delight.
Maurice Swift is a gorgeous man. He can basically get whatever he wants based on his looks alone. So, he decides that he is going to do just that, and get the one thing he does not have: the talent to write a good story. Sure, he's a good writer, but he just can't seem to come up with a good story, a plot that sells, a book that will make him famous. Throwing all morals out the window, he aligns himself with those who will get him those things that he needs to achieve the highest literary fame he can, no matter what it takes.
It's a thriller that just takes it to a level that is indescribable. The merciless acts Maurice goes through to satisfy his hunger for fame and recognition is equal parts insane, cold-blooded and at times, a bit hilarious. The story is the epitome of un-put-downable. This book will definitely be added to my "must read again" list - and soon. Highly recommend. A new favorite for sure.
jasoneramirez's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
yoteach87's review against another edition
5.0
This book was quite simply nothing short of perfect. From the moment I started reading it to the last word, it was spellbinding. When I first came across it, I was intrigued but put off reading it initially because of its length; usually books described in the jacket as a "page-turner" are usually shorter. Despite the synopsis (a young man gets ahead in the literary world by taking the ideas of others and pawning them off as gus own) which, to me, doesn't sound terribly invigorating it's an extraordinarily well-written novel.
shellysbookcorner's review against another edition
3.0
I read this for my book club. The first part of the book was SO SLOW!!!! I was going to dnf but the members who had already read said it picks up in the second part. Thankfully it did and I have to say I HATED Maurice with a passion. If I'm being honest I didn't care for any of the characters. The last part of the book got a little stale but it did hold my interest until the end.
abbie_fisher's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
peter_fischer's review against another edition
4.0
The book is about a writer of fiction who has all the gifts to be a successful novelist, except he has no imagination. So he steals the ideas for ‘his’ books from others. Maurice Swift has no conscience and will do anything to become a famous author. John Boyne writes the wittiest and most convincing dialogue and every book of his is totally different. Where does he get his ideas from?
chloew94's review against another edition
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mundinova's review against another edition
5.0
Perfection. Just ... words fail to describe how perfect this book is. Can I give it 10 out of 5 stars?
If you liked [b:The Heart's Invisible Furies|33253215|The Heart's Invisible Furies|John Boyne|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490803456l/33253215._SY75_.jpg|51438471], then hold on to your hat, because Mr. Boyne has outdone himself with this masterpiece.
My favorite topic to discuss while drinking is can art be separated from the artist? Is good art marred by the immoral or illegal actions of the artist? Does Thriller not sound as good? Or maybe you've stopped watching Woody Allen's movies. Whatever the situation, I think how people answer is very telling. Do they believe forgiveness? How do they view objects in general - as having some residual magic left behind by the creator? Or are some acts so heinous that to enjoy the art is to condone the sinner? A Ladder to the Sky is this question in book form, and then more. So much more.
Maurice is an amoral character who -- I truly believe -- isn't aware of the torture he puts people through. If you don't like reading about horrible people doing horrible things, then don't read this book. You'll be wretchedly unhappy. But if you do enjoy reading about psychopaths, well then, make a cup of tea and settle in!
Boyne is a great writer and his dialogue shines. I could read conversations between Maurice and his literary nemeses all day long. The subtle digs are an art form in themselves.
But let's not belittle how heartbreakingly sad and frustrating this book is to read. Some sections will amp up your anxiety to an eleven and make it hard to sleep. Other sections will break your heart.
Even with a broken heart, you'll still race to the end, because who doesn't want to see what happens to the psychopath?
Story: 5 stollen stars
Character Development: 5 despicable stars
Writing/Prose: 5 perfect stars
If you liked [b:The Heart's Invisible Furies|33253215|The Heart's Invisible Furies|John Boyne|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490803456l/33253215._SY75_.jpg|51438471], then hold on to your hat, because Mr. Boyne has outdone himself with this masterpiece.
My favorite topic to discuss while drinking is can art be separated from the artist? Is good art marred by the immoral or illegal actions of the artist? Does Thriller not sound as good? Or maybe you've stopped watching Woody Allen's movies. Whatever the situation, I think how people answer is very telling. Do they believe forgiveness? How do they view objects in general - as having some residual magic left behind by the creator? Or are some acts so heinous that to enjoy the art is to condone the sinner? A Ladder to the Sky is this question in book form, and then more. So much more.
Maurice is an amoral character who -- I truly believe -- isn't aware of the torture he puts people through. If you don't like reading about horrible people doing horrible things, then don't read this book. You'll be wretchedly unhappy. But if you do enjoy reading about psychopaths, well then, make a cup of tea and settle in!
Boyne is a great writer and his dialogue shines. I could read conversations between Maurice and his literary nemeses all day long. The subtle digs are an art form in themselves.
But let's not belittle how heartbreakingly sad and frustrating this book is to read. Some sections will amp up your anxiety to an eleven and make it hard to sleep. Other sections will break your heart.
Even with a broken heart, you'll still race to the end, because who doesn't want to see what happens to the psychopath?
Story: 5 stollen stars
Character Development: 5 despicable stars
Writing/Prose: 5 perfect stars