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Noah Barleywater Runs Away
Eight-year-old Noah's problems seem easier to deal with if he doesn't think about them. So he runs away, taking an untrodden path through the forest.
Before long, he comes across a shop. But this is no ordinary it's a toy shop, full of the most amazing toys, and brimming with the most wonderful magic. And here Noah meets a very unusual toymaker. The toymaker has a story to tell, and it's a story of adventure and wonder and broken promises. He takes Noah on a journey. A journey that will change his life.
Before long, he comes across a shop. But this is no ordinary it's a toy shop, full of the most amazing toys, and brimming with the most wonderful magic. And here Noah meets a very unusual toymaker. The toymaker has a story to tell, and it's a story of adventure and wonder and broken promises. He takes Noah on a journey. A journey that will change his life.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2010
162 people are currently reading
3077 people want to read
About the author
John Boyne
89 books15.3k 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 549 reviews
January 25, 2019
In my quest to read all of John Boyne's novels by the end of the year. I came across this whimsical, but sad work of children's fantasy....with multiple messages.
"Not Everyone Grows Old At All."
The storyline centers around 8 year old Noah who decides early one morning to run away from home leaving his problems and fears behind. Traveling through the forest from village to village, he meets strange characters, talking animals and an extraordinary tree...or two.
We soon discover his reasons for leaving as having no great accomplishments in his life....no adventure....disappointment of broken promises....and the big one he keeps buried deep inside....until he meets the old toy maker in the very special house of magic.
Touching multi-layered little fairytale.
July 7, 2021
fofo e emocionante.
May 11, 2011
Noah Barleywater Runs Away by John Boyne is a magical work of art. What appears superficially to be just another juvenile adventure book, is, in truth, the most beautiful and deeply touching fairy tale I've had the pleasure of reading in a long time.
Noah is an extremely vulnerable and bright young boy, who, at the age of 8, have decided to escape from his home and his parents, in hope of experiencing some great, life-changing adventures. Or, should I say, this is what Noah convinces himself to believe. He tells himself that adventure sounds much better than the real reason for him leaving home. A reason, which he does not even want to think about. And so he decides to go out to "make his own way in the world", to do something meaningful with his life, achieve something impressive.
We follow Noah's every move, since the moment he puts on his coat, opens the door and sneaks out of the house. As he runs, Noah enters an enchanting land, straight out of the pages of children's book. He walks into the world of magic, talking animals and moving trees. He meets many interesting individuals along his path, a talking Dachshund, an ever-hungry (and also talking) donkey, an exceptionally short man with a black wig.. And then he reaches a mysterious toy shop, full of hand-crafted wooden toys. Inside the store he finds whispering puppets, doors that move and speak, a floor that shifts and moves around, to make up for the deficiency of floorboards, and many, many other extraordinary things. He also meets a strange and enigmatic man, who invites him in for lunch and tells him the story of his life. As these two talk, we learn more and more about both the elderly man, and Noah, and we begin to understand the real motivation behind Noah's escape.
The story comes to a surprising and heart-breaking conclusion, that left me speechless. I was deeply moved by this book and impressed with John Boyne's fabulous writing style. The novel addresses many awfully important issues of both childhood and adulthood, like friendship, bullying, loss of someone close to us and ways to deal with it, broken promises, aging and inevitability of death, importance of facing and overcoming our fears, being there for each other in times of need and making the most out of the time we have with our families. The profound depth of this story and rare sensitivity with which it's told, unforgettable characters, spellbinding encounters and deeply moving conclusion will no doubt make this story resonate with readers of all ages. I myself will make sure that my children will grow up reading this wonderful book.
Noah Barleywater Runs Away is not just any book, it's a sparkling gem among children's novels. Meaningful and memorable, it will no doubt have a special place in your heart. I highly recommend buying a copy for yourself, it's not only a must-read, but definitely a must-have, too!
February 26, 2020
“Do you think . . . ?"
'I do sometimes, my boy,'admitted the old man. 'When I can't avoid it.”
John Boyne, Noah Barleywater Runs Away: A Fairytale
.
Now and again people talk about a children's (under 8s) book destined to be a modern classic, well this is easily the closest I've seen. A book that completely and snuggly fits into the European fairy tale cannon. A smart, inquisitive boy decides to run away from home, from little troubles and one overbearing big trouble. Via an almost magical real journey he comes across a village with toy shop and toymaker.
John Boyne tells a dark take within fantasy adventure, where the protagonist needs to learn a lesson to progress... just like in old school tales. Boyne does a superb job here and this would be a great introduction to the subject matter within for the under 8s. For adults there's the link to another fairy tale, which I think most will delight in. 8 out of 12.
'I do sometimes, my boy,'admitted the old man. 'When I can't avoid it.”
John Boyne, Noah Barleywater Runs Away: A Fairytale
.
Now and again people talk about a children's (under 8s) book destined to be a modern classic, well this is easily the closest I've seen. A book that completely and snuggly fits into the European fairy tale cannon. A smart, inquisitive boy decides to run away from home, from little troubles and one overbearing big trouble. Via an almost magical real journey he comes across a village with toy shop and toymaker.
John Boyne tells a dark take within fantasy adventure, where the protagonist needs to learn a lesson to progress... just like in old school tales. Boyne does a superb job here and this would be a great introduction to the subject matter within for the under 8s. For adults there's the link to another fairy tale, which I think most will delight in. 8 out of 12.
February 12, 2014
For book reviews and more, please visit my book blog, The Book Stop
I thought this book was a bit too random for starts. It was very imaginative, but sometimes a bit over the top. It's not very descriptive at all and sometimes the storyline became a bit boring, but the characters are interesting and kept me going throughout the book. Not a page turner for me but the characters and their personalities made up for that.
I fell in love with the innocence of Noah. The rest of the characters were a bit to weird for me. They were interesting but I just didn't like their personality that much. The story line was creative, but I wanted something more to hold my attention. I was never fully hooked in on the story and that was a bit if a let down.
Overall, the interesting characters and the creativeness of this book is what kept me going. Their overall storyline and the lack of normality turned me off. I won't be reading this again, but it was a fun read.
I thought this book was a bit too random for starts. It was very imaginative, but sometimes a bit over the top. It's not very descriptive at all and sometimes the storyline became a bit boring, but the characters are interesting and kept me going throughout the book. Not a page turner for me but the characters and their personalities made up for that.
I fell in love with the innocence of Noah. The rest of the characters were a bit to weird for me. They were interesting but I just didn't like their personality that much. The story line was creative, but I wanted something more to hold my attention. I was never fully hooked in on the story and that was a bit if a let down.
Overall, the interesting characters and the creativeness of this book is what kept me going. Their overall storyline and the lack of normality turned me off. I won't be reading this again, but it was a fun read.
April 9, 2021
A beautiful children’s story by author by John Boyne that will bring a tear to your eye. This is a multi-layered story that brings humour, mystery, fantasy and emotion.
When 9 year old Noah Barleywater decides to run away from his problems he ends up in a fantasy world. He meets an old man who owns a toyshop and has lots of stories to tell him. The stories are told to help Noah deal with his problems and return home to face them. His journey through the forest is full of fun and fantasy and we discover why he is running away. Lots of strange things going on in this thought provoking novel that probably needs explaining to some children on some levels to fully understand.
This book offers so much more than just been a children’s fairy tale it is so multi-layered that adults can also enjoy it. Beautifully written and thought provoking.
When 9 year old Noah Barleywater decides to run away from his problems he ends up in a fantasy world. He meets an old man who owns a toyshop and has lots of stories to tell him. The stories are told to help Noah deal with his problems and return home to face them. His journey through the forest is full of fun and fantasy and we discover why he is running away. Lots of strange things going on in this thought provoking novel that probably needs explaining to some children on some levels to fully understand.
This book offers so much more than just been a children’s fairy tale it is so multi-layered that adults can also enjoy it. Beautifully written and thought provoking.
January 2, 2018
Дичайше рыдаю; вот вам и детская книжечка.
February 7, 2017
„Życie jest krótkie i powinniśmy spędzać jak najwięcej czasu z ludźmi, których kochamy.”
Moja opinia: "Noah ucieka" to książka, dzięki której wyruszysz w podróż. W podróż, która będzie dla Ciebie niezwykłą przygodą. Zaczniesz bowiem przemieszczać się zarówno przed, jak i w głąb siebie. Poznasz swoje słabości oraz mocne strony. Już od pierwszej kartki, będziesz wędrował/a razem z ośmioletnim chłopcem. Wasze przygody nie będą jednak zwyczajne. Co prawda, główny bohater będzie tłumaczył ucieczkę z domu chęcią odnalezienia właściwej drogi życia, ale czy to okaże się prawdziwym powodem? Tego musisz się przekonać!
To pozycja, dzięki której będziesz się śmiał/a, dziwił/a, zastanawiał/a. To książka poruszająca trudne tematy. Trudne i dla młodszych czytelników, i dla dorosłych. I dla dzieci, i dla ich rodziców. Pytania zawarte w tekście skierowane są także do Ciebie. W książce pojawiają się magiczne przedmioty, rośliny, zwierzęta, a nawet wyjątkowi ludzie. Czas biegnie tu zupełnie w innym tempie niż nam się wydaje. „Noah ucieka” wzrusza, zaskakuje, ale i rani. To pozycja o rodzinie, kruchości ludzkiego życia, przyjaźni, walce o marzenia. To pozycja, która zaskoczyła mnie swoim przekazem i jego siłą, a jej lektura była bardzo dobrym rozpoczęciem tego roku.
Moja ocena: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
Moja opinia: "Noah ucieka" to książka, dzięki której wyruszysz w podróż. W podróż, która będzie dla Ciebie niezwykłą przygodą. Zaczniesz bowiem przemieszczać się zarówno przed, jak i w głąb siebie. Poznasz swoje słabości oraz mocne strony. Już od pierwszej kartki, będziesz wędrował/a razem z ośmioletnim chłopcem. Wasze przygody nie będą jednak zwyczajne. Co prawda, główny bohater będzie tłumaczył ucieczkę z domu chęcią odnalezienia właściwej drogi życia, ale czy to okaże się prawdziwym powodem? Tego musisz się przekonać!
To pozycja, dzięki której będziesz się śmiał/a, dziwił/a, zastanawiał/a. To książka poruszająca trudne tematy. Trudne i dla młodszych czytelników, i dla dorosłych. I dla dzieci, i dla ich rodziców. Pytania zawarte w tekście skierowane są także do Ciebie. W książce pojawiają się magiczne przedmioty, rośliny, zwierzęta, a nawet wyjątkowi ludzie. Czas biegnie tu zupełnie w innym tempie niż nam się wydaje. „Noah ucieka” wzrusza, zaskakuje, ale i rani. To pozycja o rodzinie, kruchości ludzkiego życia, przyjaźni, walce o marzenia. To pozycja, która zaskoczyła mnie swoim przekazem i jego siłą, a jej lektura była bardzo dobrym rozpoczęciem tego roku.
Moja ocena: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
November 10, 2015
Noah Barleywater Runs Away by John Boyne is a book that fits under many genres. Ultimately i would place it under Children/Middle-grade Fiction, but it can also fall under Fantasy and Fairy Tale. I picked it up from a booksale and when i posted a photo of it on instagram, somebody commented and said that they really wanted to read the book because somebody whom they looked up to told them that it was their favourite book. Knowing that, i had to find out why. And i did. I loved the overall story and am rating it 4.0 out of 5.
The book is about an eight-year-old boy named Noah Barleywater, who wakes up very early one morning and decided that he wants to go on a real adventure, so he runs away from home and starts walking. Along his journey, he bumps into a series of extraordinary things and eventually finds himself in an old toyshop, where he meets The Old Man. Noah and The Old Man exchange their life stories that at last makes Noah question his decision to run away, leaving his family behind. Should he go back?
To be honest, i had trouble getting into the first half of this book. It was just too weird and magical for a children's book that i found myself easily distracted while i read the words off the pages. I felt a bit sad because of that though, realising how grown up I've become just because the magical parts of the story annoyed me. I was worried I wasn't going to like the book, but since it wasn't a thick book and the font was large, i made myself keep reading anyway. And boy, was i glad i did.
This book has a deep, valuable lesson for anyone who reads it. I do mean EVERYONE, including(and especially) adults. I absolutely did not expect the story to turn out the way it did, and after finishing the book i appreciated the first half a lot more than i did before. The magical elements in the book didn't annoy me as much anymore.
I enjoyed the way the story was written. It is initially told in Noah's perspective, and when he meets The Old Man, the chapter switches perspective in a story-telling approach which i found pretty cool. Being a children's book, the language was pretty basic and easy enough to understand.
As a story, the book is definitely unrealistic. But the main point that i extracted from it is definitely an important life lesson everyone who has a parent must learn, and the way John Boyne portrayed the lesson in his story is quite subtle and wonderful. It lets the reader themselves reflect and wonder. Among the morals in the story are those about time, promises, family, and life itself.
I would definitely recommend this book to anybody looking for a quick middle-grade read. I can't promise that it'll be that light of a read though, because children's books tends to make you think of the lessons in the end, but it's especially valuable for adults who can reflect better from their experiences.
The book is about an eight-year-old boy named Noah Barleywater, who wakes up very early one morning and decided that he wants to go on a real adventure, so he runs away from home and starts walking. Along his journey, he bumps into a series of extraordinary things and eventually finds himself in an old toyshop, where he meets The Old Man. Noah and The Old Man exchange their life stories that at last makes Noah question his decision to run away, leaving his family behind. Should he go back?
To be honest, i had trouble getting into the first half of this book. It was just too weird and magical for a children's book that i found myself easily distracted while i read the words off the pages. I felt a bit sad because of that though, realising how grown up I've become just because the magical parts of the story annoyed me. I was worried I wasn't going to like the book, but since it wasn't a thick book and the font was large, i made myself keep reading anyway. And boy, was i glad i did.
This book has a deep, valuable lesson for anyone who reads it. I do mean EVERYONE, including(and especially) adults. I absolutely did not expect the story to turn out the way it did, and after finishing the book i appreciated the first half a lot more than i did before. The magical elements in the book didn't annoy me as much anymore.
I enjoyed the way the story was written. It is initially told in Noah's perspective, and when he meets The Old Man, the chapter switches perspective in a story-telling approach which i found pretty cool. Being a children's book, the language was pretty basic and easy enough to understand.
As a story, the book is definitely unrealistic. But the main point that i extracted from it is definitely an important life lesson everyone who has a parent must learn, and the way John Boyne portrayed the lesson in his story is quite subtle and wonderful. It lets the reader themselves reflect and wonder. Among the morals in the story are those about time, promises, family, and life itself.
I would definitely recommend this book to anybody looking for a quick middle-grade read. I can't promise that it'll be that light of a read though, because children's books tends to make you think of the lessons in the end, but it's especially valuable for adults who can reflect better from their experiences.
January 28, 2015
Noah Barleywater is een achtjarig jochie die erg dromerig is. Hij ontwijkt zijn problemen en gaat ervandoor. Hij loopt op een ochtend zijn huis stiekem uit en gaat de wereld verkennen. Hij loopt dus weg van huis en uiteindelijk komt hij bij een winkel. Het is een speelgoedzaak, vol met speelgoed gemaakt van hout. De speelgoedmaker is ook bijzonder en vertelt de jongen allemaal wonderlijke verhalen over zijn leven...
John Boyne is natuurlijk bekend van De jongen in de gestreepte pyjama, een ontroerend en zielig verhaal vanuit het perspectief van een kind. Ik vond dit boek geweldig en ik wilde meer boeken van John Boyne lezen waarin hij vertelt vanuit het perspectief van een jong kind. Ook kon ik op Manuscripta deze boeken laten signeren. Ik wist niet precies wat ik van dit boek kon verwachten, behalve dat het waarschijnlijk briljant zou zijn geschreven. De wonderlijke verhalen van de speelgoedmaker maakten me ook nieuwsgierig, wat voor verhalen zijn het en wat schuilt er achter die speelgoedmaker? Dit was perfect leesvoer voor in de trein en ik moet zeggen dat ik enorm heb genoten.
Noah is een klein jochie die met volle moed weg loopt van huis. Hij weet niet wat hij doet, maar hij vertrouwt erop dat hij de wereld gaat verkennen. Hij deed me echt denken aan het naïeve jongetje dat ik op die leeftijd was (ik wilde op die leeftijd weg van huis om Pokémontrainer te worden, dus we hebben wat gemeen).
De gebeurtenissen die Noah meemaakt zijn heel absurd, waardoor ik in het begin moeilijk in het verhaal kon komen. Dieren die praten, voorwerpen die kunnen praten en bewegen, het was nogal vreemd. Het werd er niet duidelijker op toen Noah verscheen in de speelgoedwinkel, want de verhalen van de speelgoedmaker zijn wat ongeloofwaardig dus nam ik alles met een korreltje zout. Uiteindelijk kwam ik wel echt in de sprookjessfeer. Ik kan weinig hierover verklappen, maar ik kan wel zeggen dat aan het einde alles duidelijk wordt. Het heeft echt een perfecte afsluiter waardoor ik met een glimlach dit boek dichtsloeg. Daarnaast zijn de simpele tekeningen in het boek een leuke toevoeging aan het verhaal.
Dit boek vond ik erg aandoenlijk, dat is het juiste woord. Noah is een prettig hoofdpersonage en hoewel het begin wat apart was, eindigde het boek met een echte eyeopener waarbij je een enorm fijn gevoel krijgt. Je komt rustig tot de grote conclusie van het boek, en dat geeft echt een goed gevoel. Ik ga verder niet veel zeggen over dit boek, je moet het gewoon lezen (en dan ook echt uitlezen, halverwege stoppen is echt NIET slim!). Dit is in ieder geval een mooi boek, ik wil meer lezen van deze geweldige schrijver! :)
http://nerdygeekyfanboy.blogspot.nl/2...
John Boyne is natuurlijk bekend van De jongen in de gestreepte pyjama, een ontroerend en zielig verhaal vanuit het perspectief van een kind. Ik vond dit boek geweldig en ik wilde meer boeken van John Boyne lezen waarin hij vertelt vanuit het perspectief van een jong kind. Ook kon ik op Manuscripta deze boeken laten signeren. Ik wist niet precies wat ik van dit boek kon verwachten, behalve dat het waarschijnlijk briljant zou zijn geschreven. De wonderlijke verhalen van de speelgoedmaker maakten me ook nieuwsgierig, wat voor verhalen zijn het en wat schuilt er achter die speelgoedmaker? Dit was perfect leesvoer voor in de trein en ik moet zeggen dat ik enorm heb genoten.
Noah is een klein jochie die met volle moed weg loopt van huis. Hij weet niet wat hij doet, maar hij vertrouwt erop dat hij de wereld gaat verkennen. Hij deed me echt denken aan het naïeve jongetje dat ik op die leeftijd was (ik wilde op die leeftijd weg van huis om Pokémontrainer te worden, dus we hebben wat gemeen).
De gebeurtenissen die Noah meemaakt zijn heel absurd, waardoor ik in het begin moeilijk in het verhaal kon komen. Dieren die praten, voorwerpen die kunnen praten en bewegen, het was nogal vreemd. Het werd er niet duidelijker op toen Noah verscheen in de speelgoedwinkel, want de verhalen van de speelgoedmaker zijn wat ongeloofwaardig dus nam ik alles met een korreltje zout. Uiteindelijk kwam ik wel echt in de sprookjessfeer. Ik kan weinig hierover verklappen, maar ik kan wel zeggen dat aan het einde alles duidelijk wordt. Het heeft echt een perfecte afsluiter waardoor ik met een glimlach dit boek dichtsloeg. Daarnaast zijn de simpele tekeningen in het boek een leuke toevoeging aan het verhaal.
Dit boek vond ik erg aandoenlijk, dat is het juiste woord. Noah is een prettig hoofdpersonage en hoewel het begin wat apart was, eindigde het boek met een echte eyeopener waarbij je een enorm fijn gevoel krijgt. Je komt rustig tot de grote conclusie van het boek, en dat geeft echt een goed gevoel. Ik ga verder niet veel zeggen over dit boek, je moet het gewoon lezen (en dan ook echt uitlezen, halverwege stoppen is echt NIET slim!). Dit is in ieder geval een mooi boek, ik wil meer lezen van deze geweldige schrijver! :)
http://nerdygeekyfanboy.blogspot.nl/2...
May 25, 2011
I received an ARC copy of this book and it was definitely worth the read. I hadn't read anything by John Boyne before and found this story to be quite magical right from the very start. As the title gives away, it is about a boy who runs away from home. Noah is just 8 years old and dealing with something very hard for a young child to comprehend. It tugged at my heartstrings at times. Don't get me wrong though it really is far from a sad story. All I know is that I would have loved to visit a village like Noah did on his travels!
A few areas I was not too fond of were: the subject of bullying was taken a little to lightly in this story, I didn't like that growing old was portrayed as being such a bad thing, and third place is good!
I would like to explore other stories by John Boyne. (3.5-4 star not quite sure why I can't make up my mind. They both equal a 4 star here anyway.)
A few areas I was not too fond of were: the subject of bullying was taken a little to lightly in this story, I didn't like that growing old was portrayed as being such a bad thing, and third place is good!
I would like to explore other stories by John Boyne. (3.5-4 star not quite sure why I can't make up my mind. They both equal a 4 star here anyway.)
January 3, 2018
** MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS **
Have you ever wondered what happened next in fairy tales? like what happened to red riding hood after the wolf's head was chopped off? or to Pinocchio? or maybe Hansel and Gretel?
this book, i found was like a more kiddish version of A Monster Calls, but still magical. i honestly loved how Boyne dealt with the issue of death, regrets, making the best of the life given and love in such an unassuming manner but yet it still managed to hit home.
and as an added benefit this book perfectly explains
Have you ever wondered what happened next in fairy tales? like what happened to red riding hood after the wolf's head was chopped off? or to Pinocchio? or maybe Hansel and Gretel?
this book, i found was like a more kiddish version of A Monster Calls, but still magical. i honestly loved how Boyne dealt with the issue of death, regrets, making the best of the life given and love in such an unassuming manner but yet it still managed to hit home.
and as an added benefit this book perfectly explains
April 15, 2020
Review to follow
May 9, 2011
The book is described as a fairy tale and I would agree. When you reach the final pages, you will realize that the story is the sensitively, retold tale of a wonderful, imaginary character from our childhood. The story is told with subtle humor and simple truths and the ending will surprise you.
It is about Noah Barleywater, a child who has to face problems that may be beyond his years. To escape from his fears, Noah decides to run away and have some adventures. After all, he is already 8 and has no major accomplishments to speak of, but in running away, he is also leaving his loved ones behind and is running from the problems in his life that he doesn’t want to face.
As he passes through successive towns, each with different magical experiences such as talking trees and animals, he is sometimes amazed and sometimes frightened. There are doors that move and speak, floors that shift and stairs that appear and disappear.
When Noah reaches a village with an unusual tree and an odd-looking house, his adventure really begins. He enters the strangely shaped house and discovers that it is a toy shop and suddenly, from out of nowhere, a gentle old man appears. He is the toymaker and he invites the very hungry Noah, to have some lunch. Soon, Noah spies a wooden chest filled with puppets, he asks the toymaker to explain what each one signifies. As the toymaker tells Noah the story of each puppet, we learn, through his memories, of the challenges he faced in life and how he dealt with them successfully in some cases, but in others he explains why he feels deep remorse for how things turned out.
Many issues of childhood and adulthood are confronted such as friendship, bullying, loss, broken and fulfilled promises, cruelty and compassion, thoughtfulness and thoughtlessness, rudeness and good manners, being careful what you wish for, dreams and nightmares, illness, aging, loneliness, love, fear, family, risk taking, following and disobeying rules and shared joy with friends and family. It might seem like too many for one book to handle but they are dealt with so deftly that they are easy to comprehend and overcome. Simple explanations prevent them from becoming too much for the reader.
When an author is good, the quiet enjoyment one receives while reading the pages is a treasure to experience. I found myself chuckling as I read along, smiling to myself at the way the seemingly innocent descriptions, formed images in my mind, almost as if the eight year old Noah, was whispering in my ear. I found myself understanding the simple concepts presented and realizing that young readers will have moments when they simply think, “aha” so that is how I should deal with that kind of a circumstance…like when you are on a train and someone is talking too loud, you simply ignore them rather than make a scene by getting angry or doing something kind for someone even though you would really rather be doing something else, because it is the right thing to do. The book is filled with these kinds of object lessons and they seem to occur very naturally without becoming too numerous or too unwieldy.
The illustrations are simple drawings that appear to be drawn by a young child of about the same age as the main character. They are a perfect complement to this marvelously entertaining story (even though it is tinged with deep sadness), about a child who learns to face his worst fears. Because of his experiences when he runs away, he ultimately makes decisions for his future and learns to appreciate his life, rather than being afraid to live because of what might ultimately happen.
At the end of the book, Noah is enlightened. The toymaker has helped him think through his problems and as they share their experiences, he learns to better handle his own. He learns that each day can be an adventure, no matter how ordinary, no matter where he is, because life is filled with choices. Sometimes we make some good ones and sometimes we make some bad ones. Some we can fix and some we cannot.
Although the story deals with a dreadfully sad and difficult problem, a child who has to face the death of a parent, the message does not come across as too overwhelming. The message delivered is really that we have to explore life, while we live it, and appreciate the moment with those we love, rather than dread what comes after it. We have to live and enjoy each day, without fearing what the future will bring. So, in the end, although the subject matter is very heavy, it is dealt with so well, that it is also uplifting, because although it deals with the possibility of great loss, it really gives us a philosophy to use to face it. It teaches us to welcome and appreciate life and to look forward to it eagerly in the present.
It is about Noah Barleywater, a child who has to face problems that may be beyond his years. To escape from his fears, Noah decides to run away and have some adventures. After all, he is already 8 and has no major accomplishments to speak of, but in running away, he is also leaving his loved ones behind and is running from the problems in his life that he doesn’t want to face.
As he passes through successive towns, each with different magical experiences such as talking trees and animals, he is sometimes amazed and sometimes frightened. There are doors that move and speak, floors that shift and stairs that appear and disappear.
When Noah reaches a village with an unusual tree and an odd-looking house, his adventure really begins. He enters the strangely shaped house and discovers that it is a toy shop and suddenly, from out of nowhere, a gentle old man appears. He is the toymaker and he invites the very hungry Noah, to have some lunch. Soon, Noah spies a wooden chest filled with puppets, he asks the toymaker to explain what each one signifies. As the toymaker tells Noah the story of each puppet, we learn, through his memories, of the challenges he faced in life and how he dealt with them successfully in some cases, but in others he explains why he feels deep remorse for how things turned out.
Many issues of childhood and adulthood are confronted such as friendship, bullying, loss, broken and fulfilled promises, cruelty and compassion, thoughtfulness and thoughtlessness, rudeness and good manners, being careful what you wish for, dreams and nightmares, illness, aging, loneliness, love, fear, family, risk taking, following and disobeying rules and shared joy with friends and family. It might seem like too many for one book to handle but they are dealt with so deftly that they are easy to comprehend and overcome. Simple explanations prevent them from becoming too much for the reader.
When an author is good, the quiet enjoyment one receives while reading the pages is a treasure to experience. I found myself chuckling as I read along, smiling to myself at the way the seemingly innocent descriptions, formed images in my mind, almost as if the eight year old Noah, was whispering in my ear. I found myself understanding the simple concepts presented and realizing that young readers will have moments when they simply think, “aha” so that is how I should deal with that kind of a circumstance…like when you are on a train and someone is talking too loud, you simply ignore them rather than make a scene by getting angry or doing something kind for someone even though you would really rather be doing something else, because it is the right thing to do. The book is filled with these kinds of object lessons and they seem to occur very naturally without becoming too numerous or too unwieldy.
The illustrations are simple drawings that appear to be drawn by a young child of about the same age as the main character. They are a perfect complement to this marvelously entertaining story (even though it is tinged with deep sadness), about a child who learns to face his worst fears. Because of his experiences when he runs away, he ultimately makes decisions for his future and learns to appreciate his life, rather than being afraid to live because of what might ultimately happen.
At the end of the book, Noah is enlightened. The toymaker has helped him think through his problems and as they share their experiences, he learns to better handle his own. He learns that each day can be an adventure, no matter how ordinary, no matter where he is, because life is filled with choices. Sometimes we make some good ones and sometimes we make some bad ones. Some we can fix and some we cannot.
Although the story deals with a dreadfully sad and difficult problem, a child who has to face the death of a parent, the message does not come across as too overwhelming. The message delivered is really that we have to explore life, while we live it, and appreciate the moment with those we love, rather than dread what comes after it. We have to live and enjoy each day, without fearing what the future will bring. So, in the end, although the subject matter is very heavy, it is dealt with so well, that it is also uplifting, because although it deals with the possibility of great loss, it really gives us a philosophy to use to face it. It teaches us to welcome and appreciate life and to look forward to it eagerly in the present.
August 7, 2011
It took awhile for this story to draw me in, partly because I loved The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and couldn't see how any subsequent book by the author could measure up, partly because I wasn't sure why Noah was leaving home and what kind of world he might be venturing into. But once I realized his reasons for wanting to avoid what was happening at home--think A Monster Calls--and saw some of the parallels and regrets in the toymaker's own life, I settled down and enjoyed it. That said, I don't know that I would consider this a title appropriate for younger readers, certainly not those that are 8, 9, 10, and thereabouts. There is too much about regret and promises made and broken in the story, and while younger readers can relate to those, it seems more likely that adults are the ones who look back from the vantage of time and regret the time they wasted or didn't spend with the ones they held most dear. Once Noah reaches the toymaker's shop, and he begins to tell his story, each nested inside the other one, it's pretty clear that there is more to each story than meets the eye; in fact, there is more to Noah's story than it might seem on the surface. It was fun to read to see if the guesses I was making from the hints being dropped in the story would turn out to be right. This one is magical in many ways, but with some distractions at the beginning and the end that lessened my enjoyment of the story and the author's craft.
June 10, 2011
Noah Barleywater Runs Away is a beautifully crafted modern fairytale which both children and adults alike will adore. Brilliantly bizzare from the very first page, John Boyne's latest children's book tells the story of Noah Barleywater, an eight-year-old boy who sets off to see the world with the intention of leaving all his cares and worries behind. He quickly becomes swept up in a strange, magical adventure, but upon meeting a very special toymaker he learns an important lesson in dealing with the trouble he has tried to leave behind.
This is a very difficult book to review, as explaining what makes it so brilliant would reveal dozens of spoilers. So I'll keep it short. With a story like this one, it's best to start reading with as little prior knowledge as possible. I won't go into the plot because it's a story that readers should discover for themselves. What I will say is that John Boyne has risen even higher in my estimations with this breathtaking reinvention of a popular classic tale. Noah Barleywater Runs Away has been referred to elsewhere as a "modern fable" and I think it's exactly that. This a brilliant new story for helping children to come to terms with loss and Boyne delivers an important life lesson that adults might care to remember, too. 5 stars.
This is a very difficult book to review, as explaining what makes it so brilliant would reveal dozens of spoilers. So I'll keep it short. With a story like this one, it's best to start reading with as little prior knowledge as possible. I won't go into the plot because it's a story that readers should discover for themselves. What I will say is that John Boyne has risen even higher in my estimations with this breathtaking reinvention of a popular classic tale. Noah Barleywater Runs Away has been referred to elsewhere as a "modern fable" and I think it's exactly that. This a brilliant new story for helping children to come to terms with loss and Boyne delivers an important life lesson that adults might care to remember, too. 5 stars.
May 22, 2015
3.5 stars - some parts were just too long-winded. Anyway, this was a nice book :)
March 20, 2020
Só posso dizer que achei este livro super fofinhoo!
Depois de ter terminado um calhamaço (um tanto exaustivo, devo dizer) este livro foi prefeito para restabelecer energias. É daqueles livros bons para curar uma ressaca literária, pequeno e fofo. ^-^
Este livro ensina-nos a valorizar as promessas que fazemos e aqueles que mais nos amam.
E de que não nos podemos esquecer de que um dia, quando decidirmos fazer o que está correto poderá ser tarde demais.
Depois de ter terminado um calhamaço (um tanto exaustivo, devo dizer) este livro foi prefeito para restabelecer energias. É daqueles livros bons para curar uma ressaca literária, pequeno e fofo. ^-^
Este livro ensina-nos a valorizar as promessas que fazemos e aqueles que mais nos amam.
E de que não nos podemos esquecer de que um dia, quando decidirmos fazer o que está correto poderá ser tarde demais.
January 17, 2015
I love reading children's fiction. It's usually so creative, imaginative, and fantastic, with excellent morals and teachings. I like exploring kid's books for myself, but also imagining what a younger mind could take away from them. Although I don't do it often, I quite like to delve into a little fairy tale such as this one to keep me in touch with the better, more magical world of children's fiction.
This story is incredibly random. So random, in fact, I was surprised when the finale turned out to be something other than 'and then he woke up'. There wasn't any explanation as to why, when Noah ventured only a little away from home, he ran into talking animals, trees who cried when you pick their apples, or furniture with personalities. I'm not stupid - I need to hear why things are like this; kids are exactly the same.
Although it isn't a sad story, Noah's reasoning for running away from home really tugs at the heartstrings once we work out the reasons why. At the beginning of the novel he refuses to even think about it, meaning the reader is kept entirely in the dark, however he can't keep his thoughts hidden for long. The story comes with a good message about running away from our problems, and regrets that could come from doing this. Not only this, but Boyne also lightly touches on bullying, aging, being careful what you wish for, and the importance of family. This seems like a lot for a kid's novel, but Boyne deals with each message sensitively, almost subliminally conditioning the mind of the reader.
I can't say I liked this book, and I can't say I didn't like it. It would work best read aloud to children, with the reader providing extra commentary to make it exciting. I felt that the bizarre in the novel was all that was keeping my attention - although the message was deep, there was no real plot to hook a reader.
A real shame. I had exactly the same love-hate relationship with The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, and now I'm not so impressed by this one; it seems my John Boyne explorations are over.
This story is incredibly random. So random, in fact, I was surprised when the finale turned out to be something other than 'and then he woke up'. There wasn't any explanation as to why, when Noah ventured only a little away from home, he ran into talking animals, trees who cried when you pick their apples, or furniture with personalities. I'm not stupid - I need to hear why things are like this; kids are exactly the same.
Although it isn't a sad story, Noah's reasoning for running away from home really tugs at the heartstrings once we work out the reasons why. At the beginning of the novel he refuses to even think about it, meaning the reader is kept entirely in the dark, however he can't keep his thoughts hidden for long. The story comes with a good message about running away from our problems, and regrets that could come from doing this. Not only this, but Boyne also lightly touches on bullying, aging, being careful what you wish for, and the importance of family. This seems like a lot for a kid's novel, but Boyne deals with each message sensitively, almost subliminally conditioning the mind of the reader.
I can't say I liked this book, and I can't say I didn't like it. It would work best read aloud to children, with the reader providing extra commentary to make it exciting. I felt that the bizarre in the novel was all that was keeping my attention - although the message was deep, there was no real plot to hook a reader.
A real shame. I had exactly the same love-hate relationship with The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, and now I'm not so impressed by this one; it seems my John Boyne explorations are over.
November 4, 2017
Noah Barleywater is 8 years old. His mum has been acting very strangely lately. Now he knows that she is seriously ill. Noah decided that the best thing to do is to run away to avoid facing what is to come. Fortunately Noah meets an old toy maker who, by sharing tales of his own experiences, helps Noah to see his future more clearly.
This story draws on the influence of many traditional tales, primarily Pinocchio, and is full of fantasy and magic. Through this medium, it considers the fullness of life with death being an unavoidable part of this. Noah can choose to run away from his problems but he is challenged to consider all that he would sacrifice if he chooses this path. We are responsible for the choices we make and the consequences, and these decisions can sometimes be tough.
Despite the subject of bereavement, this remains a hopeful book. Grief is seen as something that has an end; something that can be got through. Life after will be different, but not all bad.
This would be suitable for UKS2. Unlike other novels with similar themes, the actual death is suggested but the main focus remains on Noah’s happy memories, the way these have sustained him and on his strength and resilience, therefore much less harrowing and graphic for a younger audience.
This story draws on the influence of many traditional tales, primarily Pinocchio, and is full of fantasy and magic. Through this medium, it considers the fullness of life with death being an unavoidable part of this. Noah can choose to run away from his problems but he is challenged to consider all that he would sacrifice if he chooses this path. We are responsible for the choices we make and the consequences, and these decisions can sometimes be tough.
Despite the subject of bereavement, this remains a hopeful book. Grief is seen as something that has an end; something that can be got through. Life after will be different, but not all bad.
This would be suitable for UKS2. Unlike other novels with similar themes, the actual death is suggested but the main focus remains on Noah’s happy memories, the way these have sustained him and on his strength and resilience, therefore much less harrowing and graphic for a younger audience.
Read
October 27, 2016To historia o chłopcu, który z początkowo nieznanego nam powodu ucieka z domu, by przeżyć przygody, z jakimi nigdy nie miał styczności. Napotyka na gadające ludzkim głosem zwierzęta, magiczne drzewo z odrastającymi przez noc gałęziami, a także trafi do niesamowitego sklepu z zabawkami. Wda się w nietypową rozmowę z właścicielem ów sklepu i zacznie zastanawiać się, dlaczego uciekł i czy nie warto byłoby wrócić. To historia niezwykle refleksyjna, kryjąca w sobie kilka tajemnic, które zostają przed nami odsłonięte dopiero na sam koniec historii. Styl pisania jest piękny, jednocześnie dojrzały i przystępny dla młodszych odbiorców - to w końcu John Boyne, autor Chłopca w pasiastej piżamie!
Całość:
http://secret-books.blogspot.com/2016...
Całość:
http://secret-books.blogspot.com/2016...
April 10, 2017
3.5 stars
This was a nice read, with some funny but also some beautiful aspects in it.
I liked the main character, Noah. He is very intelligent for his age, but still in a funny-childish way, which makes him very likeable.
And, ohhh, at the very ending I realised this is actually a fairy-tale retelling! Oopss, can't believe I didn't notice this earlier...
This is a childrens book actually, so maybe this is why I found the pace of the story quite slow. I happened to be a little bit bored sometimes unfortunately, but after that there always happened something interesting.
Overall I liked the story, but wasn't blown away by it. It was a nice story, but I missed some mystery or something. I don't know...
This was a nice read, with some funny but also some beautiful aspects in it.
I liked the main character, Noah. He is very intelligent for his age, but still in a funny-childish way, which makes him very likeable.
And, ohhh, at the very ending I realised this is actually a fairy-tale retelling! Oopss, can't believe I didn't notice this earlier...
This is a childrens book actually, so maybe this is why I found the pace of the story quite slow. I happened to be a little bit bored sometimes unfortunately, but after that there always happened something interesting.
Overall I liked the story, but wasn't blown away by it. It was a nice story, but I missed some mystery or something. I don't know...
December 12, 2011
I really love the way Boyne writes. His imagery and characters are wonderful. As I was reading this book I kept trying to predict where Boyne was going with the plotline, and could not. When the ending was revealed I was impressed with how original the fable was.
February 16, 2018
Is it a book for children? Or is it a fairytale for adults? I'm having a hard time deciding. It's certainly difficult to describe: creative, surreal, well-written and beautifully-crafted and with much more depth than is immediately visible. 4-and-a-bit stars.
November 17, 2014
A new perspective on the Pinocchio story. Well written as always from John Boyne and very enjoyable!
June 7, 2017
Si de chico te gustó la historia de pinocho, te recomiendo que lo leas!!
Le di 4 de 5 porque costó que me enganchara, pero valió mucho la pena seguir con la lectura..!!!
Le di 4 de 5 porque costó que me enganchara, pero valió mucho la pena seguir con la lectura..!!!
dnf
February 6, 2024DNF at 50%. I just wasn’t into the story.
November 5, 2023
It was fine. Forgettable but not bad.
March 2, 2024
What a truly lovely book. I listened to it and the reader made a touching, important story so much more powerful with his thoughtful manner. Still have a lump in my throat and I know I will carry truths from this book with me along the way.
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