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littlefreeinterrobang's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-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
4.75
This is only the second novel I’ve read from this author, but he’s solidified himself as one of my favorites. His prose is straightforward but sharp, painting a vivid world populated with evocative characters. I don’t want to go into too much detail about why I loved this particular book lest I spoil some of the fun, but suffice to say it’s a captivating character study on pathological ambition — as the story traverses across multiple years of the antagonist’s life, his escalating ruthlessness leaves you eagerly awaiting his comeuppance, and it’s hard to put the book down for want of seeing it fulfilled.
On the critical side, the behavior of the main and one other unsavory character sometimes verges on cartoonishly awful, and a pivotal plot point in the middle of the story hinges on a bit of a cliche. That same arc is concluded with an arguably gimmicky twist, and the story continues to stretch the boundaries of believability as it progresses to its conclusion. I found all these to be forgivable detractions, however, because it’s still a decidedly enjoyable ride.
On the critical side, the behavior of the main and one other unsavory character sometimes verges on cartoonishly awful, and a pivotal plot point in the middle of the story hinges on a bit of a cliche. That same arc is concluded with an arguably gimmicky twist, and the story continues to stretch the boundaries of believability as it progresses to its conclusion. I found all these to be forgivable detractions, however, because it’s still a decidedly enjoyable ride.
skynet666's review against another edition
4.0
So well done.....I wasn't expecting something this good.
aritrigupta's review against another edition
4.0
I am a fan of John Boyne now.
I loved this book, and if this is how he writes, then I will lap up the rest of his work.
The book was masterful, witty, deliciously dark and real. Maurice's journey was a clever tale of ambition and what it does to you when you succumb to it's hold over you. And to have set the story in the publication backdrop was intriguing and opened up and entirely new field to me.
I loved each of the characters, dark and selfish Maurice, the introverted Erich, the hopeful Edith. Each of them served their purpose in the story and Boyne described all of them with dexterity.
I can spout accolades throughout my review and it would still fall short of how impressive the plot was. This is not a feel good book. It is, as I mentioned before, dark, cynical and the story will not bore you for even a minute.
It is a recommendation for everybody.
I loved this book, and if this is how he writes, then I will lap up the rest of his work.
The book was masterful, witty, deliciously dark and real. Maurice's journey was a clever tale of ambition and what it does to you when you succumb to it's hold over you. And to have set the story in the publication backdrop was intriguing and opened up and entirely new field to me.
I loved each of the characters, dark and selfish Maurice, the introverted Erich, the hopeful Edith. Each of them served their purpose in the story and Boyne described all of them with dexterity.
I can spout accolades throughout my review and it would still fall short of how impressive the plot was. This is not a feel good book. It is, as I mentioned before, dark, cynical and the story will not bore you for even a minute.
It is a recommendation for everybody.
jessplayin's review against another edition
3.0
Closer to 2.5. Boyne's writing style is phenomenal, but the story is extremely predictable and drags heavily in spots. It also felt overly dramatic. Interesting idea, decently executed, but just not as enjoyable as I hoped
genthebookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Wow! This was my 2nd John Boyne book and following The Hearts Invisible Furies, I had high expectations. This book was totally different and the storytelling was just truly impressive. This story follows Maurice Swift and his rise to fame as an "author". Maurice is introduced as a handsome young man who wants nothing more than to be a famous and celebrated writer.
“I think Maurice is whatever he needs to be, whenever he needs to be it. He's an operator, that's for sure.”
― John Boyne, A Ladder to the Sky
Maurice is actually not a likable guy and he does "whatever it takes" to get the story. But this book keeps you hooked through its dark humor and that this story brought to life through the people that guided (and assisted) Maurice along his way.
This story was truly unique and kept me on my toes. The middle lagged for me a bit but the ending was satisfying and I enjoyed when the tables were turned. A big thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for gifting me a copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
“I think Maurice is whatever he needs to be, whenever he needs to be it. He's an operator, that's for sure.”
― John Boyne, A Ladder to the Sky
Maurice is actually not a likable guy and he does "whatever it takes" to get the story. But this book keeps you hooked through its dark humor and that this story brought to life through the people that guided (and assisted) Maurice along his way.
This story was truly unique and kept me on my toes. The middle lagged for me a bit but the ending was satisfying and I enjoyed when the tables were turned. A big thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for gifting me a copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
erica_hamilton's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
zoer03's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely mesmerising and wickedly seductive. The writing draws you into the story and never lets go. I loved all the characters and I also absolutely despise the main character, he is utterly despicable, ruthless,
Mean and horrid.... and yet so compelling as a character. I fell in love with this anti hero who’s more of a villain than a hero but there’s also something he has that captures you and makes you kind of like him in an odd and twisted way. I need more from this author.
Mean and horrid.... and yet so compelling as a character. I fell in love with this anti hero who’s more of a villain than a hero but there’s also something he has that captures you and makes you kind of like him in an odd and twisted way. I need more from this author.
trautux's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25