Reviews

A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne

jrmarr's review against another edition

4.0

Hard to read at times, but only because Boyne is so good at writing flawed characters in compromising situations. There is a strange unease lurking beneath much of this book, but it is compelling and I’m glad I persevered. Probably closer to 3.5 stars, but I read through the latter half so quickly I bumped it up to 4.

bmcwilliams76's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

4.0

cassiejoy's review against another edition

4.25

Hoping for a main character’s comeuppance kept me reading. 

tatianamaciel's review against another edition

3.0

3.5

inga_filipiak's review against another edition

dark funny slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

c_harrison86's review against another edition

dark funny lighthearted tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

peaknit's review against another edition

5.0

John Boyne is my favorite author for the second year running! His writing is stunning, and so readable. The main character, Maurice, was so unlikable and devious, the book was so good. Maurice was so scruple-less...wow. Clearly, hard to put into words why I enjoyed this book, but Boyne has done it again!

alimoo511's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

jessmonda's review against another edition

challenging dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

chelseatm's review against another edition

5.0

Another spectacular read from John Boyne. At first I found it odd that the story wasn't being told from the perspective of the noted protagonist, Maurice Swift. However, as I read on, I began to understand Boyne's reasoning. Maurice has no individuality, creativity or story himself, so rather we read from the perspective of the people from whom he steals the stories. Even in a novel about him, he fails as a competent narrator.

This is a great, infuriating read that I highly recommend.