jenleah's review against another edition
3.0
I've never hated or begrudgingly liked a book more than this. Definitely, this book was not for me. So much injustice -- a theme that makes me feel so terrible when I read about it. The main character, Maurice, is the absolute WORST. It's hard to read 362 pages about someone you despise. Unexpected, as this is on the heels of Boyne's previous novel, whose main character, Cyril, I adored and still think about!
Now, if you're still reading, you may be surprised that I think this was a brilliant novel. I could not put it down, except for when I wanted to tell anyone nearby how much I was hating reading it. Usually when I'm not enjoying a book, I give myself permission to stop, but this book was worth finishing. I'm so impressed by how well this story was told and how satisfying the ending was.
3.5/5
Now, if you're still reading, you may be surprised that I think this was a brilliant novel. I could not put it down, except for when I wanted to tell anyone nearby how much I was hating reading it. Usually when I'm not enjoying a book, I give myself permission to stop, but this book was worth finishing. I'm so impressed by how well this story was told and how satisfying the ending was.
3.5/5
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Boyne’s previous book, “The Heart’s Invisible Furies” is officially on my list of all-time favorites, so I was SO excited about this one when I found out it was being published. And it was just as amazing as I hoped, despite being so so so different from Heart’s. SO DIFFERENT. While it disturbed me at times with the absolute chilling nature of the main character, I couldn’t stop reading. And the way it skewered the entire publishing world was so juicy and scandalous. Loved it. Now to go find his backlist.....
readingfar's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lshatilla's review against another edition
3.0
I do t know whether I love or hate Maurice Swift....
What I do know is that I found the first part of this book boring, the second half was amazing and the third was just fine, I really liked the interludes though.
What I do know is that I found the first part of this book boring, the second half was amazing and the third was just fine, I really liked the interludes though.
notesonbookmarks's review against another edition
4.0
I was so ready to dive into this book from John Boyne, one of my 2019 favorite authors, but it was much less likeable, overall, than The Heart's Invisible Furies. Maurice is conniving and ambitious and has zero redeeming qualities whatsoever. He needs a Maurice Swift kick to the balls. In my opinion. But then, he'd find a way to avenge himself on you, and you definitely don't want that.
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.