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La apuesta
Al comienzo de sus vacaciones escolares, Danny Delaney está deseando que llegue un verano sin problemas. Pero cuando su madre regresa a casa una tarde, flanqueada por dos policías, sabe que algo terrible ha ocurrido. La Sra. Delaney ha atropellado accidentalmente a un niño con su coche. El niño está en coma en el hospital local y nadie sabe si alguna vez despertará. Consumida por la culpa, la madre de Danny se encierra en sí misma, mientras que Danny y su padre se quedan para recoger los pedazos de su familia fracturada.
Contada con el estilo único de John Boyne desde el punto de vista de un niño de doce años, La apuesta es una historia brillantemente convincente sobre cómo un momento puede cambiar a una familia para siempre.
Contada con el estilo único de John Boyne desde el punto de vista de un niño de doce años, La apuesta es una historia brillantemente convincente sobre cómo un momento puede cambiar a una familia para siempre.
94 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
113 people are currently reading
1448 people want to read
About the author
John Boyne
89 books15.4k followersI was born in Dublin, Ireland, and studied English Literature at Trinity College, Dublin, and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. In 2015, I was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by UEA.
I’ve published 14 novels for adults, 6 novels for younger readers, and a short story collection. The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas was a New York Times no.1 Bestseller and was adapted for a feature film, a play, a ballet and an opera, selling around 11 million copies worldwide.
Among my most popular books are The Heart’s Invisible Furies, A Ladder to the Sky and My Brother’s Name is Jessica.
I’m also a regular book reviewer for The Irish Times.
In 2012, I was awarded the Hennessy Literary ‘Hall of Fame’ Award for my body of work. I’ve also won 4 Irish Book Awards, and many international literary awards, including the Que Leer Award for Novel of the Year in Spain and the Gustav Heinemann Peace Prize in Germany. In 2015, I was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of East Anglia.
My novels are published in 58 languages.
My 14th adult novel, ALL THE BROKEN PLACES, a sequel and companion novel to THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS, will be published in the UK on September 15th 2022, in the US and Canada on November 29th, and in many foreign language editions in late 2022 and 2023.
I’ve published 14 novels for adults, 6 novels for younger readers, and a short story collection. The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas was a New York Times no.1 Bestseller and was adapted for a feature film, a play, a ballet and an opera, selling around 11 million copies worldwide.
Among my most popular books are The Heart’s Invisible Furies, A Ladder to the Sky and My Brother’s Name is Jessica.
I’m also a regular book reviewer for The Irish Times.
In 2012, I was awarded the Hennessy Literary ‘Hall of Fame’ Award for my body of work. I’ve also won 4 Irish Book Awards, and many international literary awards, including the Que Leer Award for Novel of the Year in Spain and the Gustav Heinemann Peace Prize in Germany. In 2015, I was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of East Anglia.
My novels are published in 58 languages.
My 14th adult novel, ALL THE BROKEN PLACES, a sequel and companion novel to THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS, will be published in the UK on September 15th 2022, in the US and Canada on November 29th, and in many foreign language editions in late 2022 and 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
April 26, 2017
3.5 Stars.
Twelve year old Danny Delaney narrates his own story about a summer gone wrong because of THE DARE, and John Boyne does his thing by bringing the story and each character to life.
Just a 102 page short story from Quick Reads, but interesting from page one with...a missing mother...police at the door...a terrible accident...a secret friend that cannot be...and a family's struggle thru a (whew!) impossibly difficult time.
Once again, I did not read the book summary (TMI) and was glad for it.
Short, but meaningful read I felt deserved a round-up!
June 4, 2019
Life changing events are hard enough to deal with as an adult, let alone as a child. And at the awkward age of in between child and teen, can be even more difficult to know how to deal with a family trauma. Not young enough to be oblivious yet not old enough to know how to deal with the situation.
When twelve year old Danny Delaney starts his summer holidays, little does he realise that life as he knows it, will never be the same again.
Danny's Mum accidentally runs over a young boy who jumps out onto the road, directly in front of her car without warning. This impacts both families, and shakes them to the core. Feelings of fear, frustration & guilt.
" 'She wasn't drunk', I whispered."
Told from Danny's perspective, this short story made me realise we carry over so many incidents from our childhoods into our adult lives. And that it's not always easy being a kid, though many of us look back with rose-coloured glasses to "simpler times".
March 23, 2021
John Boyne is a very good storyteller and I am currently working my way through all his work including short stories and YA books. This is a nice little short story told from the point of view of the young boy Danny.
It is the beginning of the school holiday’s and 12-year old Danny is eagerly looking forward to a fun summer break. All his hopes are blown when his mother returns home late accompanied by two policemen. Rachel Delaney, has hit a small boy with her car leaving the young boy in a coma and naturally Rachel is full of guilt. Questions start to be asked, had Rachel been drinking, was it an accident and how is it all going to affect Danny.
This is an excellent short story and it is very well told. Obviously with it being a quick read it was always going to fall short of some of the authors other works.
It is the beginning of the school holiday’s and 12-year old Danny is eagerly looking forward to a fun summer break. All his hopes are blown when his mother returns home late accompanied by two policemen. Rachel Delaney, has hit a small boy with her car leaving the young boy in a coma and naturally Rachel is full of guilt. Questions start to be asked, had Rachel been drinking, was it an accident and how is it all going to affect Danny.
This is an excellent short story and it is very well told. Obviously with it being a quick read it was always going to fall short of some of the authors other works.
August 26, 2024
This novella deals with issues like guilt and the effects that causing harm can have on people around you. The first-person narrator is a twelve/thirteen-year-old boy, and the story is clearly aimed at younger readers. It’s an interesting, well written book, but it could have been a little longer and more in depth, for my taste.
4 stars.
4 stars.
August 11, 2019
3.5 ⭐️
August 5, 2019
Este libro de tan solo 94 páginas forma parte de una iniciativa llamada Quick Reads (Lecturas Rápidas), la cual tiene como objetivo fomentar el hábito de la lectura entre los adultos. Creo que no es una historia que pretenda ser memorable, más bien busca entretener y causar cierta intriga, algo que logra sin problemas.
El protagonista es Danny, un chico de 12 años cuya vida se ve trastocada a raíz de un hecho relacionado con su madre. No diré qué es porque ni la sinopsis lo dice y porque creo que descubrirlo es uno de los alicientes que hacen que la lectura enganche desde la primera página. Se cuenta pronto, pero vale la pena averiguarlo al mismo tiempo que Danny.
A lo largo de todo el libro, se verá cómo ese suceso afecta a Danny y a sus padres y provoca que nada vuelva a ser como antes. Danny tiene un hermano, pero es más mayor y su presencia es muy escasa, de hecho, no pintaba nada y era un personaje prescindible. Aunque Danny me gustó y me pareció que era interesante ir viendo la evolución de su situación familiar, no me convenció la falta de fuerza de la historia y el papel casi fantasmal de la madre. Ella tenía mucho que aportar y, sin embargo, apenas sale y es muy parca en palabras a la hora de expresarse. En cuanto a Danny, en determinados instantes tiene actitudes un poco infantiles para su edad, pero podrían justificarse si se tiene en cuenta la forma en la que lo dejan al margen y la incapacidad que tienen sus padres para tener una conversación medianamente profunda con él.
A pesar de esto, no negaré que es una lectura que supo mantener mi interés y cuya base es prometedora. Podría haber dado más de sí, pero no es mala y consigue dejar algunas pequeñas reflexiones sobre cómo la aparente tranquilidad de una familia puede saltar por los aires de un momento a otro.
La puntuación real sería un 3,5/5, no le doy el 4/5 porque para eso la historia tendría que haberme dejado más huella. Me ha resultado amena, pero sé que no es de ésas que no puedo olvidar.
El protagonista es Danny, un chico de 12 años cuya vida se ve trastocada a raíz de un hecho relacionado con su madre. No diré qué es porque ni la sinopsis lo dice y porque creo que descubrirlo es uno de los alicientes que hacen que la lectura enganche desde la primera página. Se cuenta pronto, pero vale la pena averiguarlo al mismo tiempo que Danny.
A lo largo de todo el libro, se verá cómo ese suceso afecta a Danny y a sus padres y provoca que nada vuelva a ser como antes. Danny tiene un hermano, pero es más mayor y su presencia es muy escasa, de hecho, no pintaba nada y era un personaje prescindible. Aunque Danny me gustó y me pareció que era interesante ir viendo la evolución de su situación familiar, no me convenció la falta de fuerza de la historia y el papel casi fantasmal de la madre. Ella tenía mucho que aportar y, sin embargo, apenas sale y es muy parca en palabras a la hora de expresarse. En cuanto a Danny, en determinados instantes tiene actitudes un poco infantiles para su edad, pero podrían justificarse si se tiene en cuenta la forma en la que lo dejan al margen y la incapacidad que tienen sus padres para tener una conversación medianamente profunda con él.
A pesar de esto, no negaré que es una lectura que supo mantener mi interés y cuya base es prometedora. Podría haber dado más de sí, pero no es mala y consigue dejar algunas pequeñas reflexiones sobre cómo la aparente tranquilidad de una familia puede saltar por los aires de un momento a otro.
La puntuación real sería un 3,5/5, no le doy el 4/5 porque para eso la historia tendría que haberme dejado más huella. Me ha resultado amena, pero sé que no es de ésas que no puedo olvidar.
December 27, 2022
(2.5) me dió vibes al guardián entre el centeno no se por qué
December 18, 2016
This story covers a short, but impactful (I know that's not a recognised word, but it should be!) period of a young boy's life.
In the opening, Danny and his Dad are sitting at home, fretting over the unusually late home-coming of Danny's Mum. Eventually, she turns up, flanked by two police officers. She has collided with Andy, who is slightly younger than Danny, as she was driving home. Andy is in a coma in hospital, and his chances of pulling through are slim. Mum is drowning in her guilt and has become uncommunicative.
Tensions rise. Other characters are introduced, including Andy's sister, Sarah, who becomes central to the plot. The interactions between all of the players make the story roll along at a brisk pace. The events are not predictable, which makes for interesting reading.
As a quick read, it is possible to get through the whole book in a single sitting, and setting time aside to do that would be worthwhile. Once you are into it, you will want to continue until you reach the conclusion.
I did like this book, although not quite as much as the only other John Boyne that I have read, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
In the opening, Danny and his Dad are sitting at home, fretting over the unusually late home-coming of Danny's Mum. Eventually, she turns up, flanked by two police officers. She has collided with Andy, who is slightly younger than Danny, as she was driving home. Andy is in a coma in hospital, and his chances of pulling through are slim. Mum is drowning in her guilt and has become uncommunicative.
Tensions rise. Other characters are introduced, including Andy's sister, Sarah, who becomes central to the plot. The interactions between all of the players make the story roll along at a brisk pace. The events are not predictable, which makes for interesting reading.
As a quick read, it is possible to get through the whole book in a single sitting, and setting time aside to do that would be worthwhile. Once you are into it, you will want to continue until you reach the conclusion.
I did like this book, although not quite as much as the only other John Boyne that I have read, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
July 4, 2020
At the start of his school holidays, Danny Delaney is looking forward to a trouble-free summer. But when his mother returns home one afternoon, flanked by two policemen, he knows that something terrible has happened.
Mrs Delaney has accidentally hit a small boy with her car. The boy is in a coma at the local hospital and nobody knows if he will ever wake up.
Consumed by guilt, Danny's mother closes herself off, while Danny and his father are left to pick up the pieces of their fractured family.
Mrs Delaney has accidentally hit a small boy with her car. The boy is in a coma at the local hospital and nobody knows if he will ever wake up.
Consumed by guilt, Danny's mother closes herself off, while Danny and his father are left to pick up the pieces of their fractured family.
November 15, 2018
An interesting short story of a a young 12 year old boy Danny Delany summer holidays change when he arrives home to find out that a terrible accident occurred. His mum hit a small boy with her car, and the boy is in hospital in a coma.
Love John boyne style of writing and again this short story will not disappoint. A sad book of a mother left devastated over a terrible accident and a family left broken.
Love John boyne style of writing and again this short story will not disappoint. A sad book of a mother left devastated over a terrible accident and a family left broken.
January 20, 2018
This read like a synopsis or early draft of a story. There was absolutely nothing of interest, nor any depth and after reading it I can't help wondering what exactly was the point?
September 3, 2025
Compelling and deep for such a simply written book. It’s impressive how engaging this managed to be in little more than 100 pages.
It was also nice to see how this would be a great talking point for children and teens to discuss sensitive topics like accidents, death, and acts as a cautionary tale for running away.
The plot didn’t feel dragged out or rushed and by the end the story felt complete with nothing more needing to be explored. I still would have liked a sequel because the characters were dynamic and it would be great to see how they continue to grow.
It was also nice to see how this would be a great talking point for children and teens to discuss sensitive topics like accidents, death, and acts as a cautionary tale for running away.
The plot didn’t feel dragged out or rushed and by the end the story felt complete with nothing more needing to be explored. I still would have liked a sequel because the characters were dynamic and it would be great to see how they continue to grow.
October 2, 2017
Uma pequena história que nos relata um breve período na vida de Danny, um adolescente, e da sua família. Rachel, a mãe de Danny, sofre uma experiência traumática, e isso desestabiliza toda a família e expõe em particular a fragilidade do adolescente.
O autor soube bem como contar a história através do narrador/Danny com os raciocínios e sensibilidades adequados a idade dele.
O autor soube bem como contar a história através do narrador/Danny com os raciocínios e sensibilidades adequados a idade dele.
February 3, 2016
Después de leer esta novela y El niño con el pijama de rayas, puedo decir que Boyne se ha vuelto uno de mis escritores favoritos. La manera que tiene de narrar, desde el punto de vista de niños, es tan increíble y adictiva que hace que te metas en la historia completamente, y al ser tan corta hace que la leas en una sentada. ¿John Boyne? SUPER RECOMENDADO.
April 15, 2017
I think The Dare was a great book. It was written from the boys point of you so it was interesting to know how he dealt with the situation.
March 4, 2014
This is wonderful introduction into the works of John Boyne; in essence that is what Quick Reads are all about. Therefore this short story is a really good book to lend/give to a young person or reluctant reader to boost their confidence and open up the world of books to them.
As readers of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas will already know Boyne is an excellent story teller and here in The Dare you are taken into the world of a young boy on the cusp of teenage years during his Summer holidays. Through his eyes you see some of the difficulties growing up but fundamentally it is a story of changing relationships. The greatest factor in this process is when Danny's Mum withdraws into herself after knocking a small down as he ran in front of her car. This event which has ramifications across 3 families threatens to change things for the worse and the book examines how we cope in such circumstances.
I love the fact that Danny finds encouragement from David Copperfield, the book he is reading. Plus I enjoyed Danny's thoughts and his insights on survival. But above all else I love the fact that he loves his Mum unconditionally. Take time out to read this short read and enjoy the writing of John Boyne
As readers of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas will already know Boyne is an excellent story teller and here in The Dare you are taken into the world of a young boy on the cusp of teenage years during his Summer holidays. Through his eyes you see some of the difficulties growing up but fundamentally it is a story of changing relationships. The greatest factor in this process is when Danny's Mum withdraws into herself after knocking a small down as he ran in front of her car. This event which has ramifications across 3 families threatens to change things for the worse and the book examines how we cope in such circumstances.
I love the fact that Danny finds encouragement from David Copperfield, the book he is reading. Plus I enjoyed Danny's thoughts and his insights on survival. But above all else I love the fact that he loves his Mum unconditionally. Take time out to read this short read and enjoy the writing of John Boyne
February 2, 2022
do people actually like this book unironically ???
December 28, 2022
Eine gute und gut erzählte Geschichte, die unter die Haut geht. An einer Stelle hat es
Boyne sogar geschafft, dass ich mich physisch an meine Wut als missverstandene Jugendliche erinnerte. Wenn das keine Erzählkunst ist.
Fünf Sterne
Boyne sogar geschafft, dass ich mich physisch an meine Wut als missverstandene Jugendliche erinnerte. Wenn das keine Erzählkunst ist.
Fünf Sterne
August 4, 2019
Beautifully written, full of meaning, and perfectly made for children's summer readings.
July 30, 2017
At the start of his school holidays, 12-year old Danny, is looking forward to a relaxed summer. But when his mother returns home one afternoon (much later than normal), accompanied by two policemen, he knows that his summer is not going to be what he anticipated.
Danny's mam, Rachel Delaney, has hit a small boy with her car. The boy is in a coma and his prognosis is unknown.
Consumed by guilt she closes herself off, while Danny and his father struggle to remain normal under the circumstances.
Was it an accident? Or was it intentional?
Was Rachel driving under influence?
Who is the red-haired girl, across the street, who has been watching Danny?
Can Danny survive the emotional turmoil and tragedy his family is going through?
Most importantly, what will happen to the boy?
Told in John Boyne's unique style from the point of view of Danny, this is a brilliantly compelling and powerful novella about how one moment can change a family forever.
Have you ever played Truth or Dare?
You will be careful about accepting a dare henceforth, because one dare and that one moment can lead to something which you may not be able to undo - ever.
Danny's mam, Rachel Delaney, has hit a small boy with her car. The boy is in a coma and his prognosis is unknown.
Consumed by guilt she closes herself off, while Danny and his father struggle to remain normal under the circumstances.
Was it an accident? Or was it intentional?
Was Rachel driving under influence?
Who is the red-haired girl, across the street, who has been watching Danny?
Can Danny survive the emotional turmoil and tragedy his family is going through?
Most importantly, what will happen to the boy?
Told in John Boyne's unique style from the point of view of Danny, this is a brilliantly compelling and powerful novella about how one moment can change a family forever.
Have you ever played Truth or Dare?
You will be careful about accepting a dare henceforth, because one dare and that one moment can lead to something which you may not be able to undo - ever.
April 26, 2016
Una novela breve que comienza de forma excelente, se desarrolla bien y concluye mal. Va de más a menos porque, conforme avanza, cae en incongruencias y situaciones predecibles que se resuelven por medio de "sencillismos". Parece como si al autor le hubieran pedido terminar la novela de un día para otro y hubiera tenido que cerrar las tramas de forma precipitada.
Por otro lado, lectura para adultos que bien podría encajar en el segmento juvenil. Desde ese punto de vista, está bien elaborada. La narración de Danny es clara y fluida. Se nota que ahí está el niño, aunque su lógica está un tanto desfasada de su edad. Se supone que tiene trece años, pero parece de ocho.
En resumen, una novela con buen argumento, errático manejo del tema, buenos conflictos, aceptable narrativa y pobre conclusión.
Por otro lado, lectura para adultos que bien podría encajar en el segmento juvenil. Desde ese punto de vista, está bien elaborada. La narración de Danny es clara y fluida. Se nota que ahí está el niño, aunque su lógica está un tanto desfasada de su edad. Se supone que tiene trece años, pero parece de ocho.
En resumen, una novela con buen argumento, errático manejo del tema, buenos conflictos, aceptable narrativa y pobre conclusión.
September 5, 2017
This is a very good choice for a quick read! It only took half an afternoon to read but it had me at the edge of my seat the whole time wanting more. Once I started it I couldn't put it down, I had to know how it would turn out and I couldn't stop reading it until I knew! A thoroughly enjoyable book!
June 13, 2023
Certainly not the best read by John Boyne. This short story/novella just didn't have enough volume to allow for character development or any deepening of the plot. Felt schematic at best.
December 12, 2021
Está lectura corresponde al mes de Diciembre. Este libro hace parte de una iniciativa llamada Quick Reads (lecturas Rápidas) para incentivar y aumentar el hábito de lectura. En esta historia nos narra la historia del pequeño Danny un chico de 12 años el cual tiene una familia compuesta por su padre su madre y su hermano mayor Pete, el cual esta en la universidad y por temas académicos no puede compartir tiempo con su hermano Danny. Un día ocurre un suceso que cambia el rumbo de la vida de la familia en especial de su madre que se aísla totalmente de su familia y el más afectado es el pequeño Danny que cuál intenta llamar la atención y ayudar a que las cosas regresen a la normalidad, pero a medida que lo intenta las cosas no saldrán como el las espera y lo harán tomar desiciones que lo harán que su familia se replanteen todo lo que está sucediendo. Los ultimos capítulos te sumergen en la mentalidad del niño por los altibajos que se ve sometido a causa de sus desiciones.
June 24, 2022
Ler John Boyne pra mim é ter déjà vu, parece que tudo o que ele escreveu eu já li em outro lugar.
Bem mais ou menos, das 81 páginas não achei um quote bom para por no início dessa resenha, não achei porque não tinha...
Bom pra passar o tempo em fila de banco.
A casa assombrada achei uma cópia de A outra volta do parafuso, estou com medo de ler O menino do pijama listrado. Minhas experiências com o autor não tem sido nada boas.
A escrita não é péssima, pelo o contrário, flui muito bem, mas falta algo de criatividade, aposto que todos que não leram esse livro já conhecem a história!
🤣
Bem mais ou menos, das 81 páginas não achei um quote bom para por no início dessa resenha, não achei porque não tinha...
Bom pra passar o tempo em fila de banco.
A casa assombrada achei uma cópia de A outra volta do parafuso, estou com medo de ler O menino do pijama listrado. Minhas experiências com o autor não tem sido nada boas.
A escrita não é péssima, pelo o contrário, flui muito bem, mas falta algo de criatividade, aposto que todos que não leram esse livro já conhecem a história!
🤣
February 14, 2021
A great little read from the POV of a young boy, after his mother accidentally runs down another young boy with her car. Very believably written, as was the author's more famous book, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
August 12, 2022
An odd little morsel of a book. The writing, of course, is great and the children do speak like real children; but it's clear some the adults, like Danny's verbally abusive father, are indecipherable asshats. And I wondered seriously - do adults really hold the hands of 12-year-old boys in the UK? Or is that just another inexplicable adult response in this novella? And I questioned the overdone anger of Andy's mother who blames the driver who hit her son who'd run out into the street in front of the car. Oh well, fun read for the time it took.
June 14, 2017
Pretty good for a quick read. Has some amazing moments and you've gotta love John Boyne. Had a sad topic but I felt that everything was resolved in the end and was a good ending.
January 28, 2018
It's short but a very nice read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews