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The Elements #2
Earth
From million-copy-bestselling author John Boyne, an inescapably gritty story about one young man whose direction in life takes a vastly different turn than what he expected.
It’s the tabloid sensation of the two well-known footballers standing in the dock, charged with sexual assault, a series of vile text messages pointing towards their guilt.
As the trial unfolds, Evan Keogh reflects on the events that have led him to this moment. Since leaving his island home, his life has been a lie on many levels. He’s a talented footballer who wanted to be an artist. A gay man in a sport that rejects diversity. A defendant whose knowledge of what took place on that fateful night threatens more than just his freedom or career.
The jury will deliver a verdict but, before they do, Evan must judge for himself whether the man he has become is the man he wanted to be.
It’s the tabloid sensation of the two well-known footballers standing in the dock, charged with sexual assault, a series of vile text messages pointing towards their guilt.
As the trial unfolds, Evan Keogh reflects on the events that have led him to this moment. Since leaving his island home, his life has been a lie on many levels. He’s a talented footballer who wanted to be an artist. A gay man in a sport that rejects diversity. A defendant whose knowledge of what took place on that fateful night threatens more than just his freedom or career.
The jury will deliver a verdict but, before they do, Evan must judge for himself whether the man he has become is the man he wanted to be.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2024
552 people are currently reading
14486 people want to read
About the author
John Boyne
89 books15.5k 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 1,769 reviews
April 21, 2024
Evan Keogh never wanted to be a professional footballer, he had no interest in the game, even though he had a great talent for it, no, he loved painting - abstract art was his passion, however, after showing his paintings to various galleries and being told he wasn’t good enough, he finally accepted the truth - art was not going to be a part of his future, but his God given talent for football was!
Right now though, he’s about to face trial alongside his teammate Robbie, on a charge of sexual assault, and we follow the trial and Evan’s life up to that point, as he reflects on events that led him to where he is now.
This is a powerful, sad, harrowing and emotional journey, with a headline that could have been ripped straight from the news headlines. Each character plays their role to perfection, flaws and all, which of course John Boyne excels at.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Right now though, he’s about to face trial alongside his teammate Robbie, on a charge of sexual assault, and we follow the trial and Evan’s life up to that point, as he reflects on events that led him to where he is now.
This is a powerful, sad, harrowing and emotional journey, with a headline that could have been ripped straight from the news headlines. Each character plays their role to perfection, flaws and all, which of course John Boyne excels at.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
September 6, 2024
I didn't realise Boyne's Water was part of a quartet until I stumbled across Fire on Netgalley. Earth almost managed to slip by me, which would have been a shame. These first two stories are incredible.
As with Water, Earth explores themes of guilt and culpability. It's a character portrait of young footballer Evan Keogh as he stands trial alongside his teammate for an horrific crime. In Boyne's The Heart's Invisible Furies he spent almost 600 pages on a life story, but with this book he shows he can do it almost as well in a fraction of that.
Evan's story is moving and, to be frank, utterly miserable. Like Vanessa in Water, Evan is both complicit and a victim, unlikable in many ways, yet surely deserving of some sympathy. Thoughtful character studies like this are one of my greatest pleasures to read, harrowing though they may be.
Please note that this contains depictions of sexual assault, abuse and homophobia.
As with Water, Earth explores themes of guilt and culpability. It's a character portrait of young footballer Evan Keogh as he stands trial alongside his teammate for an horrific crime. In Boyne's The Heart's Invisible Furies he spent almost 600 pages on a life story, but with this book he shows he can do it almost as well in a fraction of that.
Evan's story is moving and, to be frank, utterly miserable. Like Vanessa in Water, Evan is both complicit and a victim, unlikable in many ways, yet surely deserving of some sympathy. Thoughtful character studies like this are one of my greatest pleasures to read, harrowing though they may be.
Please note that this contains depictions of sexual assault, abuse and homophobia.
December 26, 2024
It’s not to wonder whether all of this will simply come down to who speaks last
The experience of a juror when trying to determine the truth.
This is a story about Evan, a young professional footballer (soccer for our US friends) who is charged as an accessory to rape. The rape he is an accessory to, is the alleged rape committed by his teammate Robbie. Evan allegedly filmed Robbie raping a woman at a party.
The premise of this story is as simple as that. The brilliant John Boyne manages to craft a complex story in only 165 pages. A story involving themes of toxic masculinity, sexual abuse, power in relationships, homosexuality, dysfunctional families, and a little bit of football.
Much of this story is set in the courtroom – riveting stuff. Yes, we see how the defence goes for the victim, we see the reactions of jurors – the tension. The anxieties of the accused. Boyne also takes us back in time, where we see how Evan became a professional footballer. A gay lad, not really interested in the game, he just wanted to be an artist.
This book, Earth, is the second book in his Water, Earth, Fire and Air series. This is just as good as the first, I loved it. It causes one to reflect, not only on our own beliefs and prejudices, but also society’s. It will make you think about how effective our judicial system is.
You may even wonder why some (many ?) men involved in team sports need to have their teammates watching them while they have consensual or non-consensual sex with a woman.
Heavy stuff.
Brilliant.
5 Stars
My review of Water is here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The experience of a juror when trying to determine the truth.
This is a story about Evan, a young professional footballer (soccer for our US friends) who is charged as an accessory to rape. The rape he is an accessory to, is the alleged rape committed by his teammate Robbie. Evan allegedly filmed Robbie raping a woman at a party.
The premise of this story is as simple as that. The brilliant John Boyne manages to craft a complex story in only 165 pages. A story involving themes of toxic masculinity, sexual abuse, power in relationships, homosexuality, dysfunctional families, and a little bit of football.
Much of this story is set in the courtroom – riveting stuff. Yes, we see how the defence goes for the victim, we see the reactions of jurors – the tension. The anxieties of the accused. Boyne also takes us back in time, where we see how Evan became a professional footballer. A gay lad, not really interested in the game, he just wanted to be an artist.
This book, Earth, is the second book in his Water, Earth, Fire and Air series. This is just as good as the first, I loved it. It causes one to reflect, not only on our own beliefs and prejudices, but also society’s. It will make you think about how effective our judicial system is.
You may even wonder why some (many ?) men involved in team sports need to have their teammates watching them while they have consensual or non-consensual sex with a woman.
Heavy stuff.
Brilliant.
5 Stars
My review of Water is here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 27, 2024
This is the second novella in Boyne’s “Elements” series.
We met Evan Keogh briefly in the first novella “Water”, at the end of that book Evan’s mom urged him to leave the island on the boat that Vanessa was leaving on.
Evan is a young man running towards a new life where he can be himself (he is homosexual) looking for acceptance and love and to be a painter.. his dad wanted him to be a footballer. The dirt, soil, and earth are featured as metaphors throughout this story.. his dad was a farmer on the island.
Evan and a fellow footballer(yes, he does become an important one) become embroiled in a sexual assault case and Boyne uses flashbacks to see how Evan got himself into this position.
There are so many topics covered in this book of only 176 pages…abuse, poor choices, being responsible for your actions, social media impact on young lives,consequences of fame and wealth on young lives… just so much.
I’m of course looking forward to the third novella .. “Fire”
We met Evan Keogh briefly in the first novella “Water”, at the end of that book Evan’s mom urged him to leave the island on the boat that Vanessa was leaving on.
Evan is a young man running towards a new life where he can be himself (he is homosexual) looking for acceptance and love and to be a painter.. his dad wanted him to be a footballer. The dirt, soil, and earth are featured as metaphors throughout this story.. his dad was a farmer on the island.
Evan and a fellow footballer(yes, he does become an important one) become embroiled in a sexual assault case and Boyne uses flashbacks to see how Evan got himself into this position.
There are so many topics covered in this book of only 176 pages…abuse, poor choices, being responsible for your actions, social media impact on young lives,consequences of fame and wealth on young lives… just so much.
I’m of course looking forward to the third novella .. “Fire”
May 24, 2025
At the end of Water the first book in The Elements series, a depressed gay teenager , Evan Keogh leaves the island off the coast of Ireland where he grew up . He’s escaping this life where he worked his father’s farm, escaping his father’s violent and verbal abuse, hoping to be a painter while his father wants him to play football . As he leaves, I felt some hope for him, but what happens to him is not what he hoped for. A sad boy turns into a broken young man as he struggles, makes mistakes and like most of us he just wants to be loved . “I want someone to love me , “ he says. “And not to hurt me. Never to hurt me. “ Boyne once again gets into the heart and mind of a character and you can’t help but try to experience what they are thinking , feeling and enduring.
Flawed and sympathetic at the same time, Evan is another character about whom I had ambiguous feelings . It’s gut wrenching and disturbing and there are times when I wanted to cry for him. However, as with Vanessa in the first book of the series, a decision he makes seems unforgivable, yet Evan touched my heart as his anguish is palatable and I rooted for him through the end . Evan’s self discovery, as he digs deep in his soul he digs into the earth once more to find himself. There are thought provoking questions raised about complicity, class, homophobia, all of which deepen the impact for the reader . Boyne is a brilliant writer who never ceases to amaze me with each book of his that I read . On to the third book Fire .
This is the second novella in the series The Elements which I received as an arc that is part of the collection of the books to be published September, 2025 received from Holt through Edelweiss.
Flawed and sympathetic at the same time, Evan is another character about whom I had ambiguous feelings . It’s gut wrenching and disturbing and there are times when I wanted to cry for him. However, as with Vanessa in the first book of the series, a decision he makes seems unforgivable, yet Evan touched my heart as his anguish is palatable and I rooted for him through the end . Evan’s self discovery, as he digs deep in his soul he digs into the earth once more to find himself. There are thought provoking questions raised about complicity, class, homophobia, all of which deepen the impact for the reader . Boyne is a brilliant writer who never ceases to amaze me with each book of his that I read . On to the third book Fire .
This is the second novella in the series The Elements which I received as an arc that is part of the collection of the books to be published September, 2025 received from Holt through Edelweiss.
March 5, 2025
Evan Keogh always wanted to be a painter. He loved abstract art and thought he had something of a gift for it. His father wanted him to become a footballer, something he definitely had a gift for, yet this was something Evan had no interest in. We’d briefly met Evan in Boyne’s previous novella (in this set of four) Water, at the end of which he’d escaped the small island off the west coast of Ireland where he’d lived with his parents. His aim is to find a new life.
When we catch up with him here he’s a professional footballer, playing for a club in the second tier of English football. Evan is gay, which is a challenge in itself given football’s homophobic environment. Details of his sexuality are not widely known, even amongst his teammates. But at least one is aware - Rob, his closest friend at the club. So Evan is successful and has money, but is he happy? The answer is no; Evan simply see’s football as a way to build up sufficient savings to allow him to live the life he really wants. But now he’s in trouble: he’s due to appear in court along with Rob, accused of sexual assault.
So how did he end up in this place, and what does it all mean for his future? As the story of Evan’s life after leaving the island begins to be told, we learn how a collision of bad people, bad luck, and poor choices have led him here. There are unexpected linkages to be revealed, too, and in the end, Evan is left with decisions to be made that will determine how his life will play out from this point.
It’s another powerful story from a writer whose themes and whose characters often highlight the significant challenges life can throw up. Who is to be trusted, and what light will guide us through the maze set out in front of us? The choices we make will sometimes have little significance, and yet others are likely to define us. A moral compass is a useful ally, but it might yet lead us to places we've no desire to go.
My thanks to Random House UK for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
When we catch up with him here he’s a professional footballer, playing for a club in the second tier of English football. Evan is gay, which is a challenge in itself given football’s homophobic environment. Details of his sexuality are not widely known, even amongst his teammates. But at least one is aware - Rob, his closest friend at the club. So Evan is successful and has money, but is he happy? The answer is no; Evan simply see’s football as a way to build up sufficient savings to allow him to live the life he really wants. But now he’s in trouble: he’s due to appear in court along with Rob, accused of sexual assault.
So how did he end up in this place, and what does it all mean for his future? As the story of Evan’s life after leaving the island begins to be told, we learn how a collision of bad people, bad luck, and poor choices have led him here. There are unexpected linkages to be revealed, too, and in the end, Evan is left with decisions to be made that will determine how his life will play out from this point.
It’s another powerful story from a writer whose themes and whose characters often highlight the significant challenges life can throw up. Who is to be trusted, and what light will guide us through the maze set out in front of us? The choices we make will sometimes have little significance, and yet others are likely to define us. A moral compass is a useful ally, but it might yet lead us to places we've no desire to go.
My thanks to Random House UK for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 14, 2024
5★
“ ‘Watch your tone,’ he says quietly, and my nostrils fill with the smell of the loam, as they always do when I’m frightened or when I remember what I did that made me run away in the first place.”
Evan Keogh is a famous footballer (the code played around the world, aka soccer), something his father desperately wanted to be himself and then tried just as desperately to make his son play.
Evan’s dream was to be a painter, not to be living on his controlling father’s farm on the tiny island of 400 people off the coast of Ireland in which he featured in the previous book in this quartet, Water. And even “the mainland”, Ireland, isn’t good enough. He took off to the real “mainland”, Britain.
He escaped to try his hand at supporting himself with his painting but realized that he is to art what his father is to football – mediocre, at best.
“The only thing that reappeared time and again in my work were images of soil, not the smooth, tilled land of the farm I was working on, but the rough, unploughed hills that led from the island port to my parents’ house. I was reared in the mud and the dirt, and it showed up repeatedly on my canvases, even when I didn’t want it to. But the earth is a part of me. The feel of it on my skin. The taste of it in my mouth.
It may be a part of him, but there was no way he was ready to go back. He’s gay, and deep in the closet on the island, so his only escape was mainland football after all.
“I couldn’t allow myself to return to the island. Not because I was afraid to admit failure but because I didn’t want to grow old with the eternal mud beneath my fingernails, dirt that would remain there stubbornly, no matter how hard I tried to wash it away.”
Now he’s a handsome, popular star who says his only trouble has been paying for his own drinks. Living the dream, right? But he’s in the middle of a rape trial, what could be called a typical football scandal, where his friend is accused, but he was a witness.
That’s what his father was ringing him about in the opening quotation. He always knows better, always offers advice. Evan is getting ready for court.
“I throw the phone on to the bed and take a long, hot shower, shaving carefully, then use the hairdryer to plump up my blond curls. I know how innocent they make me look, and I might as well take advantage of that. My face has a childlike aspect to it, making me appear younger than my twenty- two years. More innocent. If I wasn’t so well known in the city, I’d have trouble getting served in bars.”
Yes, he seems a bit stuck on himself, doesn’t he? Mostly, he’s trying to survive. He has a complicated relationship with soil, dirt, mud, earth, much as the main character in Water had with water.
The other recurring theme, if you like, is Father Ifechi Onkin, the Nigerian priest from the tiny island who befriended Willow (Vanessa) in Water. Neither she nor Evan are religious, but he tends his island flock anyway and turns up at Evan’s trial. Their conversation is revealing.
It seems hard to talk about Ireland without referring to religion. I think Boyne’s choice of a Nigerian priest is a great way to illustrate the changes that actually are taking place, in spite of the changes that refuse to take place. The priest says he, of course, will one day go back to Nigeria to be buried with his own people, just as Evan will one day. Evan insists he’s not going back.
But the book opens with Evan thinking about this very thing.
“I dreamed that I dreamed about the musty grey soil of the island and the sweet perfume it emits after rainfall, a double remove from a place I will never visit again. My mother explained to me once that the fragrance comes from a combination of chemicals and bacteria in the earth which form filaments when wet, sending spores of aromatic vapour into the air. We find the scent comforting, she told me, because we want to believe there’ll be a welcoming place for us one day, when we’re buried deep inside it.”
I never thought about it that way.
I’m now waiting for the third of the four novels in The Elements collection because the first two are so good. In Boyne’s stories, two plus two always amounts to so much more than a mere four parts. I am willing to bet that these four stories will be something special.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Transworld Publishers for a copy for review of #Earth.
Now we’re waiting for Fire and Air, John.
My review of Water
“ ‘Watch your tone,’ he says quietly, and my nostrils fill with the smell of the loam, as they always do when I’m frightened or when I remember what I did that made me run away in the first place.”
Evan Keogh is a famous footballer (the code played around the world, aka soccer), something his father desperately wanted to be himself and then tried just as desperately to make his son play.
Evan’s dream was to be a painter, not to be living on his controlling father’s farm on the tiny island of 400 people off the coast of Ireland in which he featured in the previous book in this quartet, Water. And even “the mainland”, Ireland, isn’t good enough. He took off to the real “mainland”, Britain.
He escaped to try his hand at supporting himself with his painting but realized that he is to art what his father is to football – mediocre, at best.
“The only thing that reappeared time and again in my work were images of soil, not the smooth, tilled land of the farm I was working on, but the rough, unploughed hills that led from the island port to my parents’ house. I was reared in the mud and the dirt, and it showed up repeatedly on my canvases, even when I didn’t want it to. But the earth is a part of me. The feel of it on my skin. The taste of it in my mouth.
It may be a part of him, but there was no way he was ready to go back. He’s gay, and deep in the closet on the island, so his only escape was mainland football after all.
“I couldn’t allow myself to return to the island. Not because I was afraid to admit failure but because I didn’t want to grow old with the eternal mud beneath my fingernails, dirt that would remain there stubbornly, no matter how hard I tried to wash it away.”
Now he’s a handsome, popular star who says his only trouble has been paying for his own drinks. Living the dream, right? But he’s in the middle of a rape trial, what could be called a typical football scandal, where his friend is accused, but he was a witness.
That’s what his father was ringing him about in the opening quotation. He always knows better, always offers advice. Evan is getting ready for court.
“I throw the phone on to the bed and take a long, hot shower, shaving carefully, then use the hairdryer to plump up my blond curls. I know how innocent they make me look, and I might as well take advantage of that. My face has a childlike aspect to it, making me appear younger than my twenty- two years. More innocent. If I wasn’t so well known in the city, I’d have trouble getting served in bars.”
Yes, he seems a bit stuck on himself, doesn’t he? Mostly, he’s trying to survive. He has a complicated relationship with soil, dirt, mud, earth, much as the main character in Water had with water.
The other recurring theme, if you like, is Father Ifechi Onkin, the Nigerian priest from the tiny island who befriended Willow (Vanessa) in Water. Neither she nor Evan are religious, but he tends his island flock anyway and turns up at Evan’s trial. Their conversation is revealing.
It seems hard to talk about Ireland without referring to religion. I think Boyne’s choice of a Nigerian priest is a great way to illustrate the changes that actually are taking place, in spite of the changes that refuse to take place. The priest says he, of course, will one day go back to Nigeria to be buried with his own people, just as Evan will one day. Evan insists he’s not going back.
But the book opens with Evan thinking about this very thing.
“I dreamed that I dreamed about the musty grey soil of the island and the sweet perfume it emits after rainfall, a double remove from a place I will never visit again. My mother explained to me once that the fragrance comes from a combination of chemicals and bacteria in the earth which form filaments when wet, sending spores of aromatic vapour into the air. We find the scent comforting, she told me, because we want to believe there’ll be a welcoming place for us one day, when we’re buried deep inside it.”
I never thought about it that way.
I’m now waiting for the third of the four novels in The Elements collection because the first two are so good. In Boyne’s stories, two plus two always amounts to so much more than a mere four parts. I am willing to bet that these four stories will be something special.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Transworld Publishers for a copy for review of #Earth.
Now we’re waiting for Fire and Air, John.
My review of Water
April 15, 2025
An amazing rendering of a deep yearning and longing, love and lust, despair and hope. As in the previous book of this profound series, the reader will find themselves drawn into the characters, wanting the life altering choices made to be the right ones, when ultimately, we know to expect a twisty out of reach reasoning and moral greyness.
Circling back to the physical and tangible element of the earth, the base instinct of this, John Boyne has an innate ability to create a cyclical way of describing his narrative back to the earth, the smell, the base element of desire.
Not wanting to put this book down, I was immediately captured. There was not one single moment that was not crucial to the storyline.
The book is deeply intense and sincere yet presented without fanfare or drama. The author pulled at my heartstrings, drawing me into a court case and a terrible night out for one single woman and a group of professional soccer players. Red flags right now? Absolutely
🚩🚩🚩🚩
The twisting of the facts, while interspersing the experience of one of the defendants is heartbreaking, understandable and unforgivable all at once. A conundrum for the reader which will last well after reading the last page. This series is extraordinary, I didn’t think it could get better after WaterWater, but I was mistaken.
Readers need to be prepared to read themes on abuse, as this is what the series is about, building on the humanity of allowing this to happen, or not. Presenting the reader with the quandary of what is wrong with the world today.
The final scene, again, using the earth as a conductor and possible redemption.
I implore you to pick up this series! (I pushed aside arcs for this, such was my want).
Circling back to the physical and tangible element of the earth, the base instinct of this, John Boyne has an innate ability to create a cyclical way of describing his narrative back to the earth, the smell, the base element of desire.
Not wanting to put this book down, I was immediately captured. There was not one single moment that was not crucial to the storyline.
The book is deeply intense and sincere yet presented without fanfare or drama. The author pulled at my heartstrings, drawing me into a court case and a terrible night out for one single woman and a group of professional soccer players. Red flags right now? Absolutely
🚩🚩🚩🚩
The twisting of the facts, while interspersing the experience of one of the defendants is heartbreaking, understandable and unforgivable all at once. A conundrum for the reader which will last well after reading the last page. This series is extraordinary, I didn’t think it could get better after WaterWater, but I was mistaken.
Readers need to be prepared to read themes on abuse, as this is what the series is about, building on the humanity of allowing this to happen, or not. Presenting the reader with the quandary of what is wrong with the world today.
The final scene, again, using the earth as a conductor and possible redemption.
I implore you to pick up this series! (I pushed aside arcs for this, such was my want).
August 10, 2025
What an outstanding book this is. Read in a day I was wondering how it would finish. Boom. It's fantastic. I'd read Water the day before and realised that John Boyne is a brilliant writer. Why didn't anybody tell me?
September 22, 2025
Wow 😯 THIS BOOK! What a powerful piece of art 🤌🏽 I was immediately struck by the beauty of Boyne’s writing. His ability to convey a lyrical tone to a modern day story was immaculate. I seriously questioned why I had let this book sit on my shelf for such a long time 🤦🏻♀️ If you have this book - GO READ IT NOW!
‘Nothing disappears. Nothing is forgotten. Everything we say or do these days clings to us forever.’
From page one to one-hundred and sixty five, there was no question; this was always going to be a 5 🌟 from me!
This is the story of a young professional footballer named Evan. Before you discount this book on behalf of not being a football fan, hear me out. I have absolutely zero interest in the sport HOWEVER, that did not stop me from being incredibly moved by this powerful story.
Evan is currently in court, alongside his teammate Robbie. He is being charged as an accessory to rape; Robbie being the rapist. That is the simple premise of this story. However, the lines run so much deeper. Did it actually happen? How did it happen? What evidence is there? Who is really at fault? It isn’t as simple as it once seemed…
In only 165 pages, John Boyne manages to create a memorable story that is so realistic and current. He takes us back in time, allowing us to see how Evan became the man he was in that courtroom. A gay young man, who just wanted to be an artist, but was gifted with a talent for football. It is incredibly compelling to read, covering a multitude of important topics such as homosexuality, dysfunctional families, sexual abuse etc - yet the narrative conveys it all in such simple terms.
Earth is just one of four books in the series and I am, without a doubt, going to read the rest of the ‘Elements’ series asap!
‘I remember how the soil gave away beneath me as I lay back, and wishing it could suck me down into its warm embrace. I remember worms. I remember weeds. I remember the smell of the Earth and the glimmer of the stars above me.’ 🌍✨🍃🌾
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
‘Nothing disappears. Nothing is forgotten. Everything we say or do these days clings to us forever.’
From page one to one-hundred and sixty five, there was no question; this was always going to be a 5 🌟 from me!
This is the story of a young professional footballer named Evan. Before you discount this book on behalf of not being a football fan, hear me out. I have absolutely zero interest in the sport HOWEVER, that did not stop me from being incredibly moved by this powerful story.
Evan is currently in court, alongside his teammate Robbie. He is being charged as an accessory to rape; Robbie being the rapist. That is the simple premise of this story. However, the lines run so much deeper. Did it actually happen? How did it happen? What evidence is there? Who is really at fault? It isn’t as simple as it once seemed…
In only 165 pages, John Boyne manages to create a memorable story that is so realistic and current. He takes us back in time, allowing us to see how Evan became the man he was in that courtroom. A gay young man, who just wanted to be an artist, but was gifted with a talent for football. It is incredibly compelling to read, covering a multitude of important topics such as homosexuality, dysfunctional families, sexual abuse etc - yet the narrative conveys it all in such simple terms.
Earth is just one of four books in the series and I am, without a doubt, going to read the rest of the ‘Elements’ series asap!
‘I remember how the soil gave away beneath me as I lay back, and wishing it could suck me down into its warm embrace. I remember worms. I remember weeds. I remember the smell of the Earth and the glimmer of the stars above me.’ 🌍✨🍃🌾
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
November 11, 2025
All I can say is that this second novella in The Elements series is even better than the first, Water, and that’s saying something. It knocked my socks off! And that makes for some chilly pinkies as I madly and happily bounce around on my pogo stick!
My thoughts: I’m already bemoaning the fact that I only have two more stories to go. I would like the series to have 20 novellas, not a measly four. Second, I want to get my hands on everything Boyne has written! I’ve read two other books by him but it’s clear I must read more. I have Boyne mania like I have Maggie O’Farrell mania. They’re both Irish—drop me off in Dublin, please!
This gritty, often upsetting story is about a tortured soul, Evan, a guy who moves to London from a small island off Ireland where he grew up. He is grappling with bad memories, being gay, being a soccer player, and being involved in a heinous scandal. The story revolves around a trial, and for most of the story, we don’t know whether Evan is innocent or guilty. It’s an edge-of-your-seat trial.
Evan never wanted to be a soccer player, but that’s where his talent lies. He has dreams of being a painter, but as he says, his talent is in his feet, not his hands. He has a jerk of a dad who pushes him. He has people who abuse him. He has an innocence and goodness that usually aren’t reflected in the choices he makes. We see a glimpse of Evan in the novella Water, and it’s great to hear his story here, to learn what happens to him after he leaves the island.
He’s a character you like despite his flaws. This story is all about conscience, shame, loneliness; aspirations; about secrets and lies, about innocence and guilt, about surviving as a gay young man in a mostly homophobic sports world. Interspersed in the trial story is Evan’s back story, and it is rich and heartbreaking. There is a twist that is brilliant, and like Water, this book is a page turner. I mean really a page turner. I didn’t even want to stop and eat dinner!
This is the most moral compass-y book I’ve ever read. This poor guy. Tortured, like I said. Several of the scenes are disturbing; it’s not an uplifting story by any means. This book will make you think; it tackles some big controversial issues. I won’t tell you what because I don’t want to give any spoilers. I went into it blind and always recommend doing that. The surprises are divine.
Onto the next novella in the series, Fire. Earth will be a hard act to follow. I’m bouncing toward Fire on my well-greased but still squeaky pogo stick!
My thoughts: I’m already bemoaning the fact that I only have two more stories to go. I would like the series to have 20 novellas, not a measly four. Second, I want to get my hands on everything Boyne has written! I’ve read two other books by him but it’s clear I must read more. I have Boyne mania like I have Maggie O’Farrell mania. They’re both Irish—drop me off in Dublin, please!
This gritty, often upsetting story is about a tortured soul, Evan, a guy who moves to London from a small island off Ireland where he grew up. He is grappling with bad memories, being gay, being a soccer player, and being involved in a heinous scandal. The story revolves around a trial, and for most of the story, we don’t know whether Evan is innocent or guilty. It’s an edge-of-your-seat trial.
Evan never wanted to be a soccer player, but that’s where his talent lies. He has dreams of being a painter, but as he says, his talent is in his feet, not his hands. He has a jerk of a dad who pushes him. He has people who abuse him. He has an innocence and goodness that usually aren’t reflected in the choices he makes. We see a glimpse of Evan in the novella Water, and it’s great to hear his story here, to learn what happens to him after he leaves the island.
He’s a character you like despite his flaws. This story is all about conscience, shame, loneliness; aspirations; about secrets and lies, about innocence and guilt, about surviving as a gay young man in a mostly homophobic sports world. Interspersed in the trial story is Evan’s back story, and it is rich and heartbreaking. There is a twist that is brilliant, and like Water, this book is a page turner. I mean really a page turner. I didn’t even want to stop and eat dinner!
This is the most moral compass-y book I’ve ever read. This poor guy. Tortured, like I said. Several of the scenes are disturbing; it’s not an uplifting story by any means. This book will make you think; it tackles some big controversial issues. I won’t tell you what because I don’t want to give any spoilers. I went into it blind and always recommend doing that. The surprises are divine.
Onto the next novella in the series, Fire. Earth will be a hard act to follow. I’m bouncing toward Fire on my well-greased but still squeaky pogo stick!
June 13, 2025
I set my tablet down and immediately lean back, aggressively rub my face, and mutter “Jesus Christ.” I’ve just finished this novella and my fingers feel like they’ve gone numb on purpose, like this novella isn’t for me to review.
But it’s Boyne so there are things I relate to so fiercely that the story feels like it’s become a part of me. The novella is appropriately titled Earth as you sink into it, feel it in your hands as you read it, and it takes root deep within you only for those roots to be ripped out without warning. I suppose that’s appropriate as we don’t give warnings to nature before the damage we cause it.
We also don’t cultivate an environment in which kids, adolescents, and adults can be free. Free to pursue who they want and what they want. Instead, just like gravity, society acts as a force to push down and discredit voices that need to be heard.
This is a brutal story for a brutal world, but also a reminder that it takes courage to be free.
Trigger warnings definitely.
P.S. I have no idea what’s to come in the next two novellas, but would love to hear what others think of Water and Earth. To me, these are stories that beg discussion.
But it’s Boyne so there are things I relate to so fiercely that the story feels like it’s become a part of me. The novella is appropriately titled Earth as you sink into it, feel it in your hands as you read it, and it takes root deep within you only for those roots to be ripped out without warning. I suppose that’s appropriate as we don’t give warnings to nature before the damage we cause it.
We also don’t cultivate an environment in which kids, adolescents, and adults can be free. Free to pursue who they want and what they want. Instead, just like gravity, society acts as a force to push down and discredit voices that need to be heard.
This is a brutal story for a brutal world, but also a reminder that it takes courage to be free.
Trigger warnings definitely.
P.S. I have no idea what’s to come in the next two novellas, but would love to hear what others think of Water and Earth. To me, these are stories that beg discussion.
June 11, 2025
I would call this a hard hitting novel. John Boyne explores misogyny, toxic male masculinity, childhood abuse, homosexuality and so much more- all within 166 pages.
Evan Keogh, whom we met briefly in “Water” has left the island and gone off to London. He had to get away from his abusive father and memories he’d rather leave behind. A young man who wants to paint, but alas his talent is being a footballer. He is embroiled as an accessory to rape. We follow him at court and we learn all that occurred to him after he left the island- the island which he cannot completely leave behind.
There was much to consider as I read this book. Rape cases are brutal- always seem to come down to he said, she said but in this case there are 2 young men against on loan woman. Thanks to social media, we are bombarded with everyone’s opinions and pictures.
This would make for an excellent discussion book. John Boyne is an extraordinary writer who never fears tackling the dark side of humanity.
Highly recommended.
Published: 2024
Evan Keogh, whom we met briefly in “Water” has left the island and gone off to London. He had to get away from his abusive father and memories he’d rather leave behind. A young man who wants to paint, but alas his talent is being a footballer. He is embroiled as an accessory to rape. We follow him at court and we learn all that occurred to him after he left the island- the island which he cannot completely leave behind.
There was much to consider as I read this book. Rape cases are brutal- always seem to come down to he said, she said but in this case there are 2 young men against on loan woman. Thanks to social media, we are bombarded with everyone’s opinions and pictures.
This would make for an excellent discussion book. John Boyne is an extraordinary writer who never fears tackling the dark side of humanity.
Highly recommended.
Published: 2024
October 16, 2025
Part two of the "Elements" quartet, and this is deeply flawed and shouldn't work, but somehow miraculously does: Boyne tells the story of a young gay football star who stands trial as an accessory to rape. Protagonist Evan Keogh enters the narrative as a projection surface, as in Water, his father wanted him to fulfill his own failed aspirations as a professional athlete, while disgraced tradwife Willow Hale saw him as the son she never had and who in her mind would have been the savior of her family. Evan flees his home at the end of part one to become a painter in England, but after experiencing rejection and sexual trauma, he kind of gives in and becomes a national soccer star because he has no alternative.
Which leads us to the first core problem here: This novella requires a severe suspension of disbelief. The precise way in which Evan acquires his job is just silly, and the whole construction of the text hinges on highly unlikely coincidences. Also, much like in Water, the "elements" metaphor does not work: Earth / land / soil feature again and again, but it feels forced and adds nothing of substance. Another important feature are daddy issues (yes, really): This young gay man seeks out father figures in older men, he longs for a love his own father never gave him. *sigh*
But boy, oh boy, is this story readable: It's just masterful how Boyne gives us a narrator standing trial who, bit by bit, reveals to us readers how he ended up in the courtroom, and lets us ponder until the very end whether he is actually guilty. It's a story about fame and sexual agency, revolving around a hetero soccer player from a wealthy background, a young woman being publicly slutshamed all over the country for accusing him of a crime, and a gay soccer player from a poor background who is not out and accused of helping his teammate in his criminal endeavor. The text investigates how its more influential characters became powerful and wealthy, what their ascension cost, and who paid and/or still pays for it. And the theme of projection is back as well: What does the public see in soccer stars, how does it require young women to behave, what would happen if Evan's sexual orientation was publicly known?
I'm not at all a thriller or crime person, but this was intriguing. Messy, but intriguing.
Which leads us to the first core problem here: This novella requires a severe suspension of disbelief. The precise way in which Evan acquires his job is just silly, and the whole construction of the text hinges on highly unlikely coincidences. Also, much like in Water, the "elements" metaphor does not work: Earth / land / soil feature again and again, but it feels forced and adds nothing of substance. Another important feature are daddy issues (yes, really): This young gay man seeks out father figures in older men, he longs for a love his own father never gave him. *sigh*
But boy, oh boy, is this story readable: It's just masterful how Boyne gives us a narrator standing trial who, bit by bit, reveals to us readers how he ended up in the courtroom, and lets us ponder until the very end whether he is actually guilty. It's a story about fame and sexual agency, revolving around a hetero soccer player from a wealthy background, a young woman being publicly slutshamed all over the country for accusing him of a crime, and a gay soccer player from a poor background who is not out and accused of helping his teammate in his criminal endeavor. The text investigates how its more influential characters became powerful and wealthy, what their ascension cost, and who paid and/or still pays for it. And the theme of projection is back as well: What does the public see in soccer stars, how does it require young women to behave, what would happen if Evan's sexual orientation was publicly known?
I'm not at all a thriller or crime person, but this was intriguing. Messy, but intriguing.
January 28, 2025
The Elements series by John Boyne is a collection of four novellas – Water, Earth, Fire, and Air (Release Date: 1st May 2025) – each representing the four elements found in nature. Earth is #2.
It’s the first day of a sensational trial. Famous footballer Evan Keogh stands accused of filming his fellow teammate and friend, Robbie Wolverton, having sex with a teenage girl. They claim it was consensual, she says it wasn’t. This is Evan’s story.
#1 Water contained some dark themes – Earth is progressively darker and bleaker. The prose was John Boyne’s usual high standard – immersive, poetic and lyrical, and I loved the way he utilised earth and water in his writing. The directions the plot took were twists I did not see coming. Evan’s character played a peripheral role in Water. He had grown up on the never-named island Willow (the main character in Water) fled to, located somewhere off the Galway coast of Ireland, and Earth answered some burning questions I had regarding his appearance in the first instalment. Five years have passed since the events of that one, and in the current timeline Evan is twenty-two, with flashbacks to the intervening years, aged 17-22.
Be advised that the content warnings listed in spoiler tags below contain major spoilers for this novella, and the series overall. I only include them because the crimes perpetrated in this book will be very triggering for some readers.
Trigger Warnings:
It’s the first day of a sensational trial. Famous footballer Evan Keogh stands accused of filming his fellow teammate and friend, Robbie Wolverton, having sex with a teenage girl. They claim it was consensual, she says it wasn’t. This is Evan’s story.
#1 Water contained some dark themes – Earth is progressively darker and bleaker. The prose was John Boyne’s usual high standard – immersive, poetic and lyrical, and I loved the way he utilised earth and water in his writing. The directions the plot took were twists I did not see coming. Evan’s character played a peripheral role in Water. He had grown up on the never-named island Willow (the main character in Water) fled to, located somewhere off the Galway coast of Ireland, and Earth answered some burning questions I had regarding his appearance in the first instalment. Five years have passed since the events of that one, and in the current timeline Evan is twenty-two, with flashbacks to the intervening years, aged 17-22.
Be advised that the content warnings listed in spoiler tags below contain major spoilers for this novella, and the series overall. I only include them because the crimes perpetrated in this book will be very triggering for some readers.
Trigger Warnings:
March 20, 2024
4.5
Another harrowing part of John Boyne's Elements series. This time he focuses on Evan Keogh, who left the island the same day as Willow/Vanessa (who was the protagonist in Water).
Evan left the island to escape his father, wanting to be an artist, but things do not go as planned. Finding himself jobless and without support for a second time after his arrival in England Evan decides to do the only thing he knows he excels at - football. He has his reasons for picking the Championship club he does but the main one is defender, Robbie.
We start the story with Evan heading to a court room to hear the verdict in a case involving the alleged rape of a girl by Robbie in which Evan has played a significant part.
I'm not going to tell you this is an easy read because it's not. It's no more harrowing than Water though. John Boyne does not pick easy subjects. I found Water (and subsequently Earth) much easier to read than Boyne's longer novels because the prose has to be condensed into the salient facts. That's not to say the say it is any less shocking or unpalatable but, as with Water, these things happen. We have seen a catalogue of famous people heading into court to defend current or past actions and it is always divisive and emotive. Boyne manages very cleverly to condense the emotion so it does not become overwhelming.
Whichever side you find yourself supporting I can tell you that Mr Boyne does not leave you hanging at the end. Although it's hard to like any character in this book you should find yourself having sympathy in some small measure.
I am looking forward to seeing where Mr Boyne takes us in Fire.
Another harrowing part of John Boyne's Elements series. This time he focuses on Evan Keogh, who left the island the same day as Willow/Vanessa (who was the protagonist in Water).
Evan left the island to escape his father, wanting to be an artist, but things do not go as planned. Finding himself jobless and without support for a second time after his arrival in England Evan decides to do the only thing he knows he excels at - football. He has his reasons for picking the Championship club he does but the main one is defender, Robbie.
We start the story with Evan heading to a court room to hear the verdict in a case involving the alleged rape of a girl by Robbie in which Evan has played a significant part.
I'm not going to tell you this is an easy read because it's not. It's no more harrowing than Water though. John Boyne does not pick easy subjects. I found Water (and subsequently Earth) much easier to read than Boyne's longer novels because the prose has to be condensed into the salient facts. That's not to say the say it is any less shocking or unpalatable but, as with Water, these things happen. We have seen a catalogue of famous people heading into court to defend current or past actions and it is always divisive and emotive. Boyne manages very cleverly to condense the emotion so it does not become overwhelming.
Whichever side you find yourself supporting I can tell you that Mr Boyne does not leave you hanging at the end. Although it's hard to like any character in this book you should find yourself having sympathy in some small measure.
I am looking forward to seeing where Mr Boyne takes us in Fire.
June 8, 2025
The second of John Boyne's four book series of novellas was a very difficult and uncomfortable read for me, but as his first, beautifully written. Our MC was a minor character in Water who escaped the island and his horrible father in the end, eventually becoming a star footballer, which his father wanted for him, but he didn't. Ethan wanted to become a painter, but as he says several times, my feet were more talented than my hands.
Most of the book is about a trial of Ethan and a team member for the rape of a woman, Robbie the perpetrator, while Ethan watched and filmed the event. So some trigger warnings and some very uncomfortable reading, for me anyway. 4 Stars library ebook.
'Unfortunately, whatever magic I was granted found its way to the wrong limbs, for I did not want to be a footballer. I wanted to be a painter, but my eyes and hands did not have the gifts granted to my feet.' pg 7
Most of the book is about a trial of Ethan and a team member for the rape of a woman, Robbie the perpetrator, while Ethan watched and filmed the event. So some trigger warnings and some very uncomfortable reading, for me anyway. 4 Stars library ebook.
'Unfortunately, whatever magic I was granted found its way to the wrong limbs, for I did not want to be a footballer. I wanted to be a painter, but my eyes and hands did not have the gifts granted to my feet.' pg 7
November 13, 2024
5 ✨ Great book!!! The story was unsettling but captivating. I’m already ready for the third and fourth elements! Next up: Fire—can’t wait! 🌝🌚
I have to admit, I really liked Dane Whyte O'Hara's narration!! :)
I have to admit, I really liked Dane Whyte O'Hara's narration!! :)
January 7, 2024
Earth is the second book in John Boyne’s Elements series. Evan Keogh never wanted to be a footballer: that was his father, Charlie’s dream. Now that he finally, reluctantly, is and, at twenty-two, obscenely rich into the bargain, an incident sees him getting the sort of publicity his club, and his father, would rather avoid.
He is before the court as an accessory to a rape by his teammate, Robbie Wolverton, son of a peer. There’s pressure for him to back up Robbie’s story, to avoid a conviction. As he watches their female barrister methodically tear the victim’s credibility to shreds, his thoughts return to his departure from the island, and what followed.
Evan’s dream is to be an artist, it’s what he left the island, and his father’s iron rule, to become. Evan has a talent for football, and Charlie can’t understand why he doesn’t want to make a career of it.
Nor would Charlie understand Evan’s sexual preferences, if he knew, or the heartbreak of rejection that sent him out alone in bad weather: suicide by fishing boat. Maggie Keogh helps her son escape. But an aspiring artist has to eat, to live, so when Rafe, obviously wealthy and influential, propositions him, he acquiesces, only to be repeatedly used by different men of power. When that ends, football is his last resort.
Much later, Evan reflects: “I became a different boy than the one I was supposed to be. I wanted to be a painter. I wanted to be good. I wanted to love someone, and to be loved in return. But none of these ambitions came to be. I think, sometimes, there are people who are destined never to have anyone fall in love with them. It doesn’t matter what they look like, how they behave, how much money they have, how much kindness exists in their heart. The love of another person is simply never going to be theirs. There’s some aspect of them, something inherent, something indefinable, that makes people turn away. And I think I’m one of those people.”
Boyne gives the reader some wonderful descriptive prose: “the two of them laughing uproariously over some private joke, displaying their great white teeth and their glorious, unassailable privilege.” His characters, their flaws and failings, will resonate with readers, and the ending of this short piece is perfect.
While Evan, and some of the minor characters in this story, including the island off Galway, appear in Water, this one can stand alone. And as with Water, Boyne tackles a sensitive and topical subject, and manages, in less than two hundred pages, to really pack a punch.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Random House UK Transworld.
He is before the court as an accessory to a rape by his teammate, Robbie Wolverton, son of a peer. There’s pressure for him to back up Robbie’s story, to avoid a conviction. As he watches their female barrister methodically tear the victim’s credibility to shreds, his thoughts return to his departure from the island, and what followed.
Evan’s dream is to be an artist, it’s what he left the island, and his father’s iron rule, to become. Evan has a talent for football, and Charlie can’t understand why he doesn’t want to make a career of it.
Nor would Charlie understand Evan’s sexual preferences, if he knew, or the heartbreak of rejection that sent him out alone in bad weather: suicide by fishing boat. Maggie Keogh helps her son escape. But an aspiring artist has to eat, to live, so when Rafe, obviously wealthy and influential, propositions him, he acquiesces, only to be repeatedly used by different men of power. When that ends, football is his last resort.
Much later, Evan reflects: “I became a different boy than the one I was supposed to be. I wanted to be a painter. I wanted to be good. I wanted to love someone, and to be loved in return. But none of these ambitions came to be. I think, sometimes, there are people who are destined never to have anyone fall in love with them. It doesn’t matter what they look like, how they behave, how much money they have, how much kindness exists in their heart. The love of another person is simply never going to be theirs. There’s some aspect of them, something inherent, something indefinable, that makes people turn away. And I think I’m one of those people.”
Boyne gives the reader some wonderful descriptive prose: “the two of them laughing uproariously over some private joke, displaying their great white teeth and their glorious, unassailable privilege.” His characters, their flaws and failings, will resonate with readers, and the ending of this short piece is perfect.
While Evan, and some of the minor characters in this story, including the island off Galway, appear in Water, this one can stand alone. And as with Water, Boyne tackles a sensitive and topical subject, and manages, in less than two hundred pages, to really pack a punch.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Random House UK Transworld.
July 30, 2025
After finishing the powerful Water by John Boyne I read that it was #1 of his Elements series. With a few hours left on my Audio I decided to get into #2 that is this one called Earth.
The basis of this story is given away early by the author. Two championship footballers are on rape charges and one of them, Evan Keogh, narrates the story. We met Keogh in the initial novel Water, with there being hints he being a troubled young man that was leaving his island home for reasons unknown. In his narrative, we learn why. As with Water, John Boyne gives the reader a powerful tale that covers the moral choice of the wealthy and famous. Again, the narration gave me personally some events that I was not prepared for. It is also covered subjects that I had not really considered before. The glorification of youth and sport and the tribalism that comes with that. I found the book made me uncomfortable that the world, yes, the world, now idolises young people who are not really deserving of glorification and worship.
Again, this is not a happy book, the attitudes and choices made by several characters we are presented with are, to put it mildly, questionable. There are no heroes and in truth no one to like. There is trauma.
The only issue I might have with the story is that the character of Evan Keogh went from playing next to no football in his teens to being a Championship player and Irish international in a fairly short time, but the author did handle this point fairly seamlessly in the telling of the story
Narrated superbly by Dane Whyte O'hara who slipped between accents flawlessly. I will read the rest of the series out, and I expect to be as challenged as I have with the first two.
The basis of this story is given away early by the author. Two championship footballers are on rape charges and one of them, Evan Keogh, narrates the story. We met Keogh in the initial novel Water, with there being hints he being a troubled young man that was leaving his island home for reasons unknown. In his narrative, we learn why. As with Water, John Boyne gives the reader a powerful tale that covers the moral choice of the wealthy and famous. Again, the narration gave me personally some events that I was not prepared for. It is also covered subjects that I had not really considered before. The glorification of youth and sport and the tribalism that comes with that. I found the book made me uncomfortable that the world, yes, the world, now idolises young people who are not really deserving of glorification and worship.
Again, this is not a happy book, the attitudes and choices made by several characters we are presented with are, to put it mildly, questionable. There are no heroes and in truth no one to like. There is trauma.
The only issue I might have with the story is that the character of Evan Keogh went from playing next to no football in his teens to being a Championship player and Irish international in a fairly short time, but the author did handle this point fairly seamlessly in the telling of the story
Narrated superbly by Dane Whyte O'hara who slipped between accents flawlessly. I will read the rest of the series out, and I expect to be as challenged as I have with the first two.
August 16, 2025
Още с първите страници Евън Киох ми стана симпатичен и усещането не изчезна до края на историята, въпреки всичко, коeто се случи… Не очаквах, но “Земя” ми хареса даже повече от “Вода” и мисля че си имам нова любима поредица! Намерих общата нишка и ми допада как леко и деликатно Бойн е свързал героите от острова, без историите им да са пряко обвързани.
Насилие, прекършени воля, желания, мечти, наранено достойнство и тестостерон на стероиди, бащи, които чупят синовете си - няма лъч светлина в тази мрачна ирландска история. За пореден път се убеждавам, че една дума или действие на родителите могат да преобърнат живота на едно дете.
Страхотен роман! Нямам търпение за “Огън”.
Насилие, прекършени воля, желания, мечти, наранено достойнство и тестостерон на стероиди, бащи, които чупят синовете си - няма лъч светлина в тази мрачна ирландска история. За пореден път се убеждавам, че една дума или действие на родителите могат да преобърнат живота на едно дете.
Страхотен роман! Нямам търпение за “Огън”.
January 10, 2025
I do not understand the rave reviews.
From the first chapter, I knew this wasn’t going to be a good book. The info dumping and clunky exposition were egregious, appearing to lack any care or attention.
Unfortunately, an absence of subtly continued through the entire story. No nuance was given to complex subject matter and any possibility for interesting discussions around these topics were actively avoided.
Also, I understand our protagonist is not supposed to be a good person but did he have to be so damn unlikeable? (And boring and one dimensional and repetitive?)
In fact, most characters were terribly written. The main emotion they elicited from me was contempt, and I do not think this was intentional. The only character I felt fondly towards was Lauren Macintosh, the 19-year-old accusing our main character and his best friend of rape and conspiracy to rape.
I feel I’m going mad reading through other reviews - in what world was this book ‘genius’? It was pretentious, implausible, poorly conceived, and annoying.
I don’t recommend.
From the first chapter, I knew this wasn’t going to be a good book. The info dumping and clunky exposition were egregious, appearing to lack any care or attention.
Unfortunately, an absence of subtly continued through the entire story. No nuance was given to complex subject matter and any possibility for interesting discussions around these topics were actively avoided.
Also, I understand our protagonist is not supposed to be a good person but did he have to be so damn unlikeable? (And boring and one dimensional and repetitive?)
In fact, most characters were terribly written. The main emotion they elicited from me was contempt, and I do not think this was intentional. The only character I felt fondly towards was Lauren Macintosh, the 19-year-old accusing our main character and his best friend of rape and conspiracy to rape.
I feel I’m going mad reading through other reviews - in what world was this book ‘genius’? It was pretentious, implausible, poorly conceived, and annoying.
I don’t recommend.
January 12, 2024
The second book in the Elements series by John Boyne. I didn’t find it as impressive and mind blowing as Water, but it was still very good. Boyne writes in a way that you can’t stop reading. He tells just enough to keep you curious and drive you forward. Very well done again. I’m looking forward to Fire!
Thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for the advanced copy.
Thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for the advanced copy.
September 9, 2024
Als John Boyne al ergens een patent op heeft, is het: je van je stoel blazen met die ene plotwending die je niét zag aankomen. En je vervolgens met een krop in de keel achterlaten.
Hij deed het (onder meer) in het boek dat hem wereldberoemd maakte en hij doet het nu weer.
‘Aarde’ is het tweede deel van een vierluik. Voorlopig is nog niet hélemaal duidelijk wat het verband is met het eerste deel, of het moet het eiland zijn waar Vanessa in ‘Water’ terechtkomt en waar Evan zo snel als mogelijk vandaan wil.
Omdat de achttienjarige aanvankelijk liever zijn handen dan zijn briljante voeten gebruikt, wordt hij misbruikt. Als hij uiteindelijk toegeeft aan zijn grootste talent - voetbal - lijkt hem dat alweer in het ongeluk te storten.
Luchtig is ‘Aarde’ nooit, al doet de bekende heldere stijl van Boyne eerst anders vermoeden, maar naarmate het verhaal vordert, wordt het steeds donkerder.
Het vurige pleidooi van de advocaat van Evan in de verkrachtingszaak waarin hij schijnbaar per ongeluk betrokken raakte, lijkt voor de definitieve wending te zorgen.
Maar dan ken je Boyne nog niet.
‘Aarde’ is als een wervelende cupfinale waarin het winnende doelpunt in de allerlaatste minuut van de verlengingen wordt gescoord.
Vraag is alleen: door wie?
Hij deed het (onder meer) in het boek dat hem wereldberoemd maakte en hij doet het nu weer.
‘Aarde’ is het tweede deel van een vierluik. Voorlopig is nog niet hélemaal duidelijk wat het verband is met het eerste deel, of het moet het eiland zijn waar Vanessa in ‘Water’ terechtkomt en waar Evan zo snel als mogelijk vandaan wil.
Omdat de achttienjarige aanvankelijk liever zijn handen dan zijn briljante voeten gebruikt, wordt hij misbruikt. Als hij uiteindelijk toegeeft aan zijn grootste talent - voetbal - lijkt hem dat alweer in het ongeluk te storten.
Luchtig is ‘Aarde’ nooit, al doet de bekende heldere stijl van Boyne eerst anders vermoeden, maar naarmate het verhaal vordert, wordt het steeds donkerder.
Het vurige pleidooi van de advocaat van Evan in de verkrachtingszaak waarin hij schijnbaar per ongeluk betrokken raakte, lijkt voor de definitieve wending te zorgen.
Maar dan ken je Boyne nog niet.
‘Aarde’ is als een wervelende cupfinale waarin het winnende doelpunt in de allerlaatste minuut van de verlengingen wordt gescoord.
Vraag is alleen: door wie?
May 3, 2024
I fully accept that I seem to be an outlier with my 2 star review, but I was just so disappointed by this book.
I absolutely loved Water, and eagerly anticipated the next installation, but thought everything that I admired about that book, the subtlety with which the author handled heavy content and wove in to the story so well, was completely missing from this one.
I found the improbability of the story detracted from what he was trying to say, from the highly unlikely journey from male prostitution and serious abuse to professional footballer, and semi ridiculous 'audition' in to the club, to the out of kilter dialogue and chance encounters. It felt like two different authors.
Having said that, I'll still look forward to Fire and hold out hope!
I absolutely loved Water, and eagerly anticipated the next installation, but thought everything that I admired about that book, the subtlety with which the author handled heavy content and wove in to the story so well, was completely missing from this one.
I found the improbability of the story detracted from what he was trying to say, from the highly unlikely journey from male prostitution and serious abuse to professional footballer, and semi ridiculous 'audition' in to the club, to the out of kilter dialogue and chance encounters. It felt like two different authors.
Having said that, I'll still look forward to Fire and hold out hope!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2024
Earth is the second in a series of four loosely connected books. I adored the first book, Water, but for some reason I didn't have that same connection with this one, which is strange because normally I love all things John Boyne. It may be that the writing in Earth was harsher and the upsetting scenes more vividly described compared to his other novels, or it may be because I'm sick in bed with swine flu.
It definitely packed a punch though and the audio narration by Dane Whyte O’Hara was amazing.
The Story: After fleeing his remote island home, Evan Keogh has found success as a professional footballer, but he must now defend himself in court charged as an accessory to a friend's rape of a young woman.
It definitely packed a punch though and the audio narration by Dane Whyte O’Hara was amazing.
The Story: After fleeing his remote island home, Evan Keogh has found success as a professional footballer, but he must now defend himself in court charged as an accessory to a friend's rape of a young woman.
Read
January 14, 2025«Como sempre nos livros de John Boyne, impressionou-me também a mestria com que o autor pega na complexidade humana, em temas tão elásticos como a culpa, ou a dicotomia verdade-mentira, e consegue desenvolvê-los de forma a prender-nos do início ao fim. Acho mesmo que poucas pessoas escrevem tão bem quanto este homem, e tenho pena de que não seja mais falado. Nota-se que escreve de um lugar de empatia, e de tentativa de compreensão de realidades que nem sempre são a dele, e admiro-o muito por isso.»
Review completa em: https://ritadanova.blogs.sapo.pt/eart....
Review completa em: https://ritadanova.blogs.sapo.pt/eart....
June 2, 2024
John Boyne is one of those excellent writers who can weave a captivating story while courageously exploring what it means to be a moral man. And god knows, in today’s times, an analysis of living with oneself after performing deeds inconsistent with the person we hoped we would be is sorely needed.
Evan Keough is a young gay man who yearns to be a painter. He has talent, but maybe not enough. So he takes the easy route, becoming a footballer—a skill that is natural to him. We know Evan has had a tough time of it, with an abusive father and the abusive, even dangerous, male prostitution that follows.
Being a sports hero is often the path to a life of ease and admiration. But rarely on, we learn that Evan and his fellow footballer, Robbie Wolverton – who he is attracted to – are on trial for the rape of a woman they met at a pub. The woman claims that Robbie raped her, and Evan taped the whole thing on his phone. Problem is, the phone is missing. And while we suspect she is telling the truth, we don’t know with certainty.
This spare novel raises important questions: how responsible are we for the choices we make in life? Are we at the mercy of moneyed people who always seem to catch the breaks and who not only define justice, but deliver it in ways beneficial to them? Does it pay to possess a moral compass if the game of life is rigged? What price do we pay if we obey that moral compass and regain our sense of self-respect but lose our freedom in the process? Most importantly, do we really have freedom if we don’t have authenticity? Another stunner from one of my favorite writers.
Evan Keough is a young gay man who yearns to be a painter. He has talent, but maybe not enough. So he takes the easy route, becoming a footballer—a skill that is natural to him. We know Evan has had a tough time of it, with an abusive father and the abusive, even dangerous, male prostitution that follows.
Being a sports hero is often the path to a life of ease and admiration. But rarely on, we learn that Evan and his fellow footballer, Robbie Wolverton – who he is attracted to – are on trial for the rape of a woman they met at a pub. The woman claims that Robbie raped her, and Evan taped the whole thing on his phone. Problem is, the phone is missing. And while we suspect she is telling the truth, we don’t know with certainty.
This spare novel raises important questions: how responsible are we for the choices we make in life? Are we at the mercy of moneyed people who always seem to catch the breaks and who not only define justice, but deliver it in ways beneficial to them? Does it pay to possess a moral compass if the game of life is rigged? What price do we pay if we obey that moral compass and regain our sense of self-respect but lose our freedom in the process? Most importantly, do we really have freedom if we don’t have authenticity? Another stunner from one of my favorite writers.
January 27, 2025
Another excellent story from John Boyne, full of pain and darkness. Tough subject matter but as always, beautifully crafted and memorable. His characters always stay with me.
November 23, 2025
The second novella in the Elements series deals with more unsavoury, but prevalent societal scourges - rape and the toxic sports culture.
The main character is Evan Keogh, who's an unwitting footballer (soccer player for the non-Europeans). He's a closeted gay man. He's quite pretty, but insecure and lost.
The tabloids are having a ball, as Keogh is accused of being an accessory to the rape of a nineteen year old's girl by a teammate.
Evan is looking back at his journey from the remote island he grew up on to the big city and his current comfortable life playing football, despite not being a fan of the sport.
Is Evan guilty?
Many things to ponder, get angry about.
I can't help but wonder about " the male loneliness crisis" that seems to be shouted out everywhere. What is the solution, when it seems that so often when men are together in groups IQs drop resulting in shitty behaviours? #notallmenbutsodamnmany!
As far as I'm concerned, and as I keep telling my teenage son, men's silence when it comes to other men's bad behaviour is to be blamed for so many societal ills.
I'll get off my high horse, but #FuckthePatriarchy .
The main character is Evan Keogh, who's an unwitting footballer (soccer player for the non-Europeans). He's a closeted gay man. He's quite pretty, but insecure and lost.
The tabloids are having a ball, as Keogh is accused of being an accessory to the rape of a nineteen year old's girl by a teammate.
Evan is looking back at his journey from the remote island he grew up on to the big city and his current comfortable life playing football, despite not being a fan of the sport.
Is Evan guilty?
Many things to ponder, get angry about.
I can't help but wonder about " the male loneliness crisis" that seems to be shouted out everywhere. What is the solution, when it seems that so often when men are together in groups IQs drop resulting in shitty behaviours? #notallmenbutsodamnmany!
As far as I'm concerned, and as I keep telling my teenage son, men's silence when it comes to other men's bad behaviour is to be blamed for so many societal ills.
I'll get off my high horse, but #FuckthePatriarchy .
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