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A review by angelamichelle
A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne
5.0
[Read start to finish on a trip to ABQ]
I enjoyed this so much. Each of three sections (with interludes separating them) told at a different time, from a different pov, but with the same character at the center. In the first, a chapter per city; in the second, a chapter per month; in the third, a chapter per pub (with one notable exception). Each shift drew me in more, revealing another layer.
The ending could have gone either or two ways. I was in suspense, then it seemed I would get the ending I wished for. Then it started to feel too pat, then at the last moment, the ending was pitch perfect.
One critique: it makes some interesting analysis of really constitutes fiction vs appropriation of “other people’s stories.” But there I was less convinced. Good literature has to be more than language and story. What about authenticity, honesty, voice, theme? I think Maurice’s work wouldn’t have stood up.
I enjoyed this so much. Each of three sections (with interludes separating them) told at a different time, from a different pov, but with the same character at the center. In the first, a chapter per city; in the second, a chapter per month; in the third, a chapter per pub (with one notable exception). Each shift drew me in more, revealing another layer.
The ending could have gone either or two ways. I was in suspense, then it seemed I would get the ending I wished for. Then it started to feel too pat, then at the last moment, the ending was pitch perfect.
One critique: it makes some interesting analysis of really constitutes fiction vs appropriation of “other people’s stories.” But there I was less convinced. Good literature has to be more than language and story. What about authenticity, honesty, voice, theme? I think Maurice’s work wouldn’t have stood up.