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A review by katykelly
A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne
5.0
‘Only really bad people take things that don’t belong to them.’
Without looking back at the rest of the year’s reading, currently around 160 titles, I can say with certainly that this tops the pile. I thought ‘The Heart’s Invisible Furies’ would be impossible to top, but this may have done it.
Of interest in particular to reading and literature aficionados, but this is a brilliant slow-burn story for anyone searching for a riveting read, for an unforgettable character, for something different.
Blending real life writers (Gore Vidal - I’ve never read him but I do know the name) with those created for the book, this straddles several decades in the life of one author in particular from his youthful entry into the industry and the steps he takes along the way to fame and respect.
Erich Ackermann is instantly smitten with a fawning young man when they meet by chance at an author event. Taking him on as an assistant, showing him the inside of the industry, encouraging his writing, Erich even reveals a shameful past he’s never before spoken about. Maurice listens, learns, and uses his new knowledge to boost his own fledgling writing career, changing more than one life in the process.
Maurice is almost unbelievable. The book is split into several sections, each telling the story of the genesis of one of his published works. As Erich’s story closes, the import of what is to come is only just becoming apparent.
I’ve never come across a character quite like Maurice. The layers of his decisions, including through his history, are jaw-dropping as he does all he can to live up to his statement: “I was born to be a writer.” Just what has to happen for this to be the narrative is unbelievable.
There are surprises along the way, and those who’ve read Boyne before will be prepared for a rather emotional time as they follow Maurice through his life.
Quite stunning. A killer of an ending too. Boyne has given us a classic look into the world of literature as well as a modern classic character study and discussion piece.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
Without looking back at the rest of the year’s reading, currently around 160 titles, I can say with certainly that this tops the pile. I thought ‘The Heart’s Invisible Furies’ would be impossible to top, but this may have done it.
Of interest in particular to reading and literature aficionados, but this is a brilliant slow-burn story for anyone searching for a riveting read, for an unforgettable character, for something different.
Blending real life writers (Gore Vidal - I’ve never read him but I do know the name) with those created for the book, this straddles several decades in the life of one author in particular from his youthful entry into the industry and the steps he takes along the way to fame and respect.
Erich Ackermann is instantly smitten with a fawning young man when they meet by chance at an author event. Taking him on as an assistant, showing him the inside of the industry, encouraging his writing, Erich even reveals a shameful past he’s never before spoken about. Maurice listens, learns, and uses his new knowledge to boost his own fledgling writing career, changing more than one life in the process.
Maurice is almost unbelievable. The book is split into several sections, each telling the story of the genesis of one of his published works. As Erich’s story closes, the import of what is to come is only just becoming apparent.
I’ve never come across a character quite like Maurice. The layers of his decisions, including through his history, are jaw-dropping as he does all he can to live up to his statement: “I was born to be a writer.” Just what has to happen for this to be the narrative is unbelievable.
There are surprises along the way, and those who’ve read Boyne before will be prepared for a rather emotional time as they follow Maurice through his life.
Quite stunning. A killer of an ending too. Boyne has given us a classic look into the world of literature as well as a modern classic character study and discussion piece.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.