Promotional Information

The dazzling first novel from the author of The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas, Mutiny on the Bounty and The House of Special Purpose.

About the Author

John Boyne is the author of fifteen novels for adults, six for younger readers, and a collection of short stories. His 2006 novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide and has been adapted for cinema, theatre, ballet, and opera. His many international bestsellers include The Heart's Invisible Furies and A Ladder to the Sky. He has won four Irish Book Awards, including Author of the Year in 2022, along with a host of other international literary prizes. His novels are published in sixty languages.


Twitter- @JohnBoyneBooks
Instagram- @JohnBoyneAuthor

Reviews

An extraordinary début
*Sunday Express*

A minor masterpiece
*Time Out*

Boyne should be congratulated for his spirited take on an old theme
*Guardian*

Boyne is a skilful storyteller, expertly weaving differing stories together
*Sunday Tribune*

In this imaginative work, the author of Crippen presents the life of Matthieu Zela, who has lived for 256 years without aging. Matthieu's first-person narrative weaves together three distinct threads: his current life in 1999, his early years with first love Dominique, and poignant episodes in between. These episodes include the French Revolution (1789-99), the construction of England's Crystal Palace (1851), and the Wall Street Crash (1929). Each chapter is almost a short story in and of itself, which makes reading the novel an initially confusing experience. Having all the time in the world, Matthieu drifts through life, never getting close enough to anyone to tell his secret. He looks after a series of reckless nephews (and great-nephews) named Thomas (or Thom, or Tomas) who seem doomed to die young. Matthieu's tortured love affair with Dominique also resonates throughout the years, influencing his many marriages and relationships. Boyne is creative and entertaining, particularly as he develops his characters. Recommended for public libraries. [Library marketing campaign planned; Boyle's best-selling young adult novel about the Holocaust, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, has been optioned for film.-Ed.]-Laurel Bliss, Princeton Univ. Lib., NJ Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

An extraordinary debut * Sunday Express *
A minor masterpiece * Time Out *
Boyne should be congratulated for his spirited take on an old theme * Guardian *
Boyne is a skilful storyteller, expertly weaving differing stories together * Sunday Tribune *