I took this book on my recent honeymoon to Mexico after seeing it recommended on Instagram, with absolutely no idea what it was about. I’m so glad I did - it ended up being one of those holiday reads you can’t put down, taking it with you from pool, to dinner, to bed. It’s exceptionally witty, and you’ll be laughing from the first chapter at John Boyne’s writing and the sheer hypocrisy of 1940s Ireland and everything that follows.
The story follows Cyril Avery, who we meet before he’s even born, and we stay with him through every chapter of his life. He’s not a “real Avery,” as he’s constantly reminded, and he grows up feeling like he doesn’t quite belong anywhere. I don’t want to give too much away, but the way his story weaves through the decades, from post-war Ireland to modern times, is just incredible. Some parts are heartbreaking, some are ridiculous (in the best possible way), and some are incredibly tender.
John Boyne has this amazing way of mixing serious themes, like identity, shame, and what it means to be loved, with totally absurd moments that somehow still feel deeply true to life. Cyril’s voice is funny, dry, and sad all at once. I found myself rooting for him, even when he was making a complete mess of things.
This is one of those rare books that I couldn’t stop thinking about for weeks after reading it. I’ll be recommending it to absolutely everyone I know. Even if long novels aren’t usually your thing, give this one a try, I promise you’ll come away with a new perspective.
