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Leijuva poika
Billy Brocket syntyi tuiki tavalliseen perheeseen, tuiki tavallisille vanhemmille. Lakimiesäiti ja -isä välttävät herättämästä turhaa huomiota ja pyrkivät kaikessa kohtuuteen. Billyllä on sisko, veli ja uskollinen koira nimeltä Kapteeni Nemo. Perheellä on vain yksi ongelma: Billy uhmaa perustavanlaatuista luonnonlakia, painovoimaa. Hän leijuu, ellei käytä huomiota herättäviä hiekkapusseja painoina.
Kunnes eräänä päivänä vanhemmat kyllästyvät erilaiseen poikaan ja tekevät peruuttamattoman ratkaisun.
Leijuva poika kertoo kahdeksanvuotiaan pojan huimasta seikkailusta ilmojen ja mannerten halki. Tarina herättää pohtimaan outoutta ja rohkaisee hyväksymään erilaisuuden, ja se sopii kaikenikäisille lukijoille. Vauhdikkaan tarinan on kuvittanut arvostettu irlantilainen kirjailija ja kuvittaja Oliver Jeffers.
Kunnes eräänä päivänä vanhemmat kyllästyvät erilaiseen poikaan ja tekevät peruuttamattoman ratkaisun.
Leijuva poika kertoo kahdeksanvuotiaan pojan huimasta seikkailusta ilmojen ja mannerten halki. Tarina herättää pohtimaan outoutta ja rohkaisee hyväksymään erilaisuuden, ja se sopii kaikenikäisille lukijoille. Vauhdikkaan tarinan on kuvittanut arvostettu irlantilainen kirjailija ja kuvittaja Oliver Jeffers.
269 pages, Hardcover
First published August 2, 2012
237 people are currently reading
5495 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 850 reviews
June 4, 2022
When I read the author's most recent book, The Echo Chamber, not only was I surprised by humor, but wondered why he hasn't used it previously. Scrolling through the list of his others I came across Barnaby Brocket.
Born into an Australian family whose immersed in what's right or wrong, having a son that defies gravity proved challenging. As Barnaby became school age he soon became the laughing stock, a point his mother found difficult to cope with given her 'rules'. After years of ridicule from neighbors and the community, Barnaby's mother took a stand.
Battling with her husband emotions ran wild until they finally agreed to remove him from the equation. Taking Barnaby to a bridge as he floated on a leash, she released him and watched as he drifted upward. But Barnaby was no ordinary child and in a matter of moments bumped into a hot air balloon that a rather 'unique' couple piloted. From there, his journey took him all over the world and his encounters with other unusual types shifted his mindset completely.
Driven by the theme 'being different is a blessing rather than a crime' using plot and characters as metaphor, Boyne shows the reader his humor and sensibility. It was hard not to think of the Backman book, "My Grandmother Asked me to Tell You She's Sorry" since it's theme and humor were similar.
Regardless, it's a fun, unique and engaging tale with a profound theme. Not only is being different important, but for people like myself, it's what life is truly about!
Born into an Australian family whose immersed in what's right or wrong, having a son that defies gravity proved challenging. As Barnaby became school age he soon became the laughing stock, a point his mother found difficult to cope with given her 'rules'. After years of ridicule from neighbors and the community, Barnaby's mother took a stand.
Battling with her husband emotions ran wild until they finally agreed to remove him from the equation. Taking Barnaby to a bridge as he floated on a leash, she released him and watched as he drifted upward. But Barnaby was no ordinary child and in a matter of moments bumped into a hot air balloon that a rather 'unique' couple piloted. From there, his journey took him all over the world and his encounters with other unusual types shifted his mindset completely.
Driven by the theme 'being different is a blessing rather than a crime' using plot and characters as metaphor, Boyne shows the reader his humor and sensibility. It was hard not to think of the Backman book, "My Grandmother Asked me to Tell You She's Sorry" since it's theme and humor were similar.
Regardless, it's a fun, unique and engaging tale with a profound theme. Not only is being different important, but for people like myself, it's what life is truly about!
November 27, 2015
Estou aqui, abraçada com esse livro. Só sei dizer que foi uma experiência maravilhosa. A história e as mensagens me tocaram muito e fiquei super emocionada.
Um livro que tem a premissa de um menino que é diferente, ele flutua. Já começou genial. E os desafios que ele passa e as pessoas que ele conhece, ensinam coisas pra ele e pra gente.
Livro que depois que acaba fica com a gente no coração!
Obrigada pelo presente, Vitor! Esse livro precisa mesmo ser espalhado para o mundo! ❤️❤️
Um livro que tem a premissa de um menino que é diferente, ele flutua. Já começou genial. E os desafios que ele passa e as pessoas que ele conhece, ensinam coisas pra ele e pra gente.
Livro que depois que acaba fica com a gente no coração!
Obrigada pelo presente, Vitor! Esse livro precisa mesmo ser espalhado para o mundo! ❤️❤️
April 28, 2013
I got this book through a goodreads giveaway and hoped that it might spark a renewed interest in reading in my maths/science obsessed daughter. After reading the blurb and flicking through it she asked if we could read it together so we spent the weekend doing just that.
Barnaby Brocket is a boy who can float and goes on some adventures all around the world. It's a typical kids book, however it also has a hidden depth to it that perhaps not all younger readers will appreciate. It makes you question what is normal and different. Barnaby's parents appear to be 'normal' but in reality are the most intolerant of people and don't like anyone who is different to them including their own child who they eventually abandon. Barnaby meets a variety of characters on his travels who in some way or another have been abandoned by their loved ones for being different but who have been helped by someone with compassion and understanding and so Barnaby does what he can to help others too. Despite what his parents did to him he still wants to get back home to them.
The book is fast paced and at times a little sad but it's a lovely story and sharing this with my daughter made the reading experience even better!
Barnaby Brocket is a boy who can float and goes on some adventures all around the world. It's a typical kids book, however it also has a hidden depth to it that perhaps not all younger readers will appreciate. It makes you question what is normal and different. Barnaby's parents appear to be 'normal' but in reality are the most intolerant of people and don't like anyone who is different to them including their own child who they eventually abandon. Barnaby meets a variety of characters on his travels who in some way or another have been abandoned by their loved ones for being different but who have been helped by someone with compassion and understanding and so Barnaby does what he can to help others too. Despite what his parents did to him he still wants to get back home to them.
The book is fast paced and at times a little sad but it's a lovely story and sharing this with my daughter made the reading experience even better!
June 5, 2022
This was quite interesting, although a bit preachy.
The message is quite clear, but I wasn’t touched by the development of the story.
I loved the concept and the humour, but I was not captivated by the telling (or writing).
There are some interesting characters but there was something missing for me.
Perhaps Barnaby, an eight year old boy, was too eloquent for his age and a few things felt too absurd to me.
But this is a pure work of fiction targeting the young adults (I think).
The message is quite clear, but I wasn’t touched by the development of the story.
I loved the concept and the humour, but I was not captivated by the telling (or writing).
There are some interesting characters but there was something missing for me.
Perhaps Barnaby, an eight year old boy, was too eloquent for his age and a few things felt too absurd to me.
But this is a pure work of fiction targeting the young adults (I think).
April 10, 2017
"Só porque a tua versão de normal não é a mesma da versão de outra pessoa, isso não significa que se passa algo de errado contigo."
Opinião no blog:
http://clarocomoaagua.blogs.sapo.pt/o...
Opinião no blog:
http://clarocomoaagua.blogs.sapo.pt/o...
February 18, 2020
Farklı olmanın özelliğini ve güzelliğini, son derece güzel ve doğru şekilde anlatan bir roman bu. Zira Barnaby'nin hikâyesinin en güzel kısmı, sonu. Yani mesela, farklılıkları yücelttiği iddia edilen Shrek filminin düştüğü hataya düşmüyor kitap, katarsisi de bu sayede yakalıyor. (Evet, Şrek ile Fiona evlenebilmek için neden aynı tür olmak zorundaydı ki? Film, sözümona duyarlılık göstererek "güzellik algısına" karşı çıkıyor ama farkında bile olmadan türcülük yapıyor. Neyse, buraya nasıl geldim ya? Konumuz film değil ki.)
İlham verici denebilecek türden bir öykü, Barnaby'ninki. Tam anlamıyla kahramanın "yolculuğu", tam anlamıyla değişim ve dönüşüm.
Muhtemelen, John Boyne'un da en iyi kitabı.
İlham verici denebilecek türden bir öykü, Barnaby'ninki. Tam anlamıyla kahramanın "yolculuğu", tam anlamıyla değişim ve dönüşüm.
Muhtemelen, John Boyne'un da en iyi kitabı.
October 26, 2016
Foi o primeiro livro deste autor que li e que melhor forma de começar. É daqueles livros que dá vontade de sair para a rua e destribui-lo a todas as pessoas. Toda a gente deveria ler esta historia e nunca esquecer que temos que aceitar as nossas diferenças, porque são elas que nos tornam especiais.
December 24, 2015
This book was definitely interesting; meant for children but highly packed with valuable morals people of all ages need to be reminded of. The main moral: its perfectly fine to be different.
I've read Boyne's Noah Barleywater Runs Away, so I wasn't surprised with certain fantasy and illogical elements being written about. Being very used to YA and adult books though, I had to keep reminding myself that it's a children's book so its perfectly okay to read about a boy who can float and travels around the world when the terrible thing happened to him.
The writing definitely had character and style, and having lived in Australia before it was nice to be able to understand certain references.
Like Boyne's other book that i read, the ending left me feeling warm and satisfied with the deep lessons being shown. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs a reminder that it's fine if they are different from everyone else, or who would enjoy a nice and decent children's/ middle grade book. It isn't exactly fantastic, but it was very nice :) also, the illustrations are so cute!
I've read Boyne's Noah Barleywater Runs Away, so I wasn't surprised with certain fantasy and illogical elements being written about. Being very used to YA and adult books though, I had to keep reminding myself that it's a children's book so its perfectly okay to read about a boy who can float and travels around the world when the terrible thing happened to him.
The writing definitely had character and style, and having lived in Australia before it was nice to be able to understand certain references.
Like Boyne's other book that i read, the ending left me feeling warm and satisfied with the deep lessons being shown. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs a reminder that it's fine if they are different from everyone else, or who would enjoy a nice and decent children's/ middle grade book. It isn't exactly fantastic, but it was very nice :) also, the illustrations are so cute!
May 26, 2024
Zakończenie złamało mi serce 💔.
Przepiękna opowieść o tym, czym jest bycie normalnym i o byciu sobą, na przekór innym. Autor pięknie przedstawił temat wykorzystując mniej i bardziej prawdopodobne historie.
Przepiękna opowieść o tym, czym jest bycie normalnym i o byciu sobą, na przekór innym. Autor pięknie przedstawił temat wykorzystując mniej i bardziej prawdopodobne historie.
January 19, 2018
Tohle bylo neuvěřitelně milé čtení! Úsměvné a zároveň poučné, pro děti i hravé dospěláky, doplněné o ilustrace.
June 5, 2024
Be galo šilta, graži, miela, ašaras spaudžianti ir juoką sukelianti knyga. Drąsiai rekomenduočiau tiek jauniesiems skaitytojams, tiek jų tėvams, nes pasisemti išminties ir išmokti tam tikras kertines pamokas čia galėtų kiekvienas.
Knyga apie kitokių žmonių priėmimą – tema, rodos, daug kartų girdėta ir įvairiai narpliota, bet čia autorius pasitelkia labai paprastą, bet gražią ir paveikią metaforą, ir su skraidančiu berniuku Barnabiu mes leidžiamės į nuotykių kupiną kelionę. Sutikdamas įvairiausio plauko itin spalvingus veikėjus Barnabis iš jų mokosi, kas yra ir kas gali būti šeima, sužino, kad normalumas ir nenormalumas yra tik kažkieno sugalvotos sąvokos ir apskritai išmoksta daug labai gražių pamokų. John Boyne kūrybą mėgstu jau seniai ir buvo smagu atrasti, kaip jis rašo vaikams – niekur nedingsta autoriaus subtilumas, pagaulus, sklandus, bet ne per daug sudėtingas stilius ir visiškas nuoširdumas.
Knygoje pamėtyta ir nemažai juokelių suaugusiems, tam tikri veikėjai ir siužeto posūkiai jiems bus suprantami visai kitaip nei vaikams, bet, man atrodo, taip ir atsiskleidžia panašių knygelių grožis. Šalia kikenimo bus ir graudžių akimirkų, todėl pravers pasiimti servetėlių – man jų čia tikrai prireikė. Rekomenduoju visa širdimi ir tikiuosi, kad kada nors šią knygą galėsiu skaityti savo vaikams.
Knyga apie kitokių žmonių priėmimą – tema, rodos, daug kartų girdėta ir įvairiai narpliota, bet čia autorius pasitelkia labai paprastą, bet gražią ir paveikią metaforą, ir su skraidančiu berniuku Barnabiu mes leidžiamės į nuotykių kupiną kelionę. Sutikdamas įvairiausio plauko itin spalvingus veikėjus Barnabis iš jų mokosi, kas yra ir kas gali būti šeima, sužino, kad normalumas ir nenormalumas yra tik kažkieno sugalvotos sąvokos ir apskritai išmoksta daug labai gražių pamokų. John Boyne kūrybą mėgstu jau seniai ir buvo smagu atrasti, kaip jis rašo vaikams – niekur nedingsta autoriaus subtilumas, pagaulus, sklandus, bet ne per daug sudėtingas stilius ir visiškas nuoširdumas.
Knygoje pamėtyta ir nemažai juokelių suaugusiems, tam tikri veikėjai ir siužeto posūkiai jiems bus suprantami visai kitaip nei vaikams, bet, man atrodo, taip ir atsiskleidžia panašių knygelių grožis. Šalia kikenimo bus ir graudžių akimirkų, todėl pravers pasiimti servetėlių – man jų čia tikrai prireikė. Rekomenduoju visa širdimi ir tikiuosi, kad kada nors šią knygą galėsiu skaityti savo vaikams.
July 1, 2022
Eleanor and Alistair Brocket are perfectly normal. The live on a normal street, in a normal neighborhood, and have normal jobs and a normal house. Their two children, Henry and Melanie, are also perfectly normal. And then Barnaby is born, and he is immediately and obviously different.
This is a fable and a children’s adventure story full of improbable and exciting adventures but teaching a lesson about acceptance and compassion and courage. The entire story is a lesson on tolerance.
I felt for Barnaby and cheered him on when he
This is a fable and a children’s adventure story full of improbable and exciting adventures but teaching a lesson about acceptance and compassion and courage. The entire story is a lesson on tolerance.
I felt for Barnaby and cheered him on when he
January 18, 2016
This is quite a sad book.
To read it as an adult had me close to tears. That Barnaby's parents could be so awful, could resent him so much...
But if I'd read this as a child I think it would have been a wonderful adventure. To float, to go anywhere, to inadvertently travel the world and meet so many different characters, it would have been wonderful.
This book teaches some great lessons - the most important are that it's not wrong to be different and that everyone has their own definition of normal. It's OK to be gay, to have a crappy job, to be horrifically scarred, to be a freak.
I received a copy of this for free via Goodreads First Reads.
To read it as an adult had me close to tears. That Barnaby's parents could be so awful, could resent him so much...
But if I'd read this as a child I think it would have been a wonderful adventure. To float, to go anywhere, to inadvertently travel the world and meet so many different characters, it would have been wonderful.
This book teaches some great lessons - the most important are that it's not wrong to be different and that everyone has their own definition of normal. It's OK to be gay, to have a crappy job, to be horrifically scarred, to be a freak.
I received a copy of this for free via Goodreads First Reads.
March 12, 2015
Me ha recordado mucho a algunas historias de Roald Dahl. No sólo va dirigido a lectores jóvenes, los padres también podrán disfrutar de su lectura.Es un canto a la libertad de decidir por uno mismo, a aceptar "ser diferente" sin que te importe la opinión de los demás. Nadie debería decidir quién es "socialmente aceptable" y quién no.
Es una lectura corta y muy agradable. El autor tiene varios libros de este estilo, a pesar de que se le reconoce mundialmente por su gran obra, "El niño con el pijama de rayas". Recomendable.
Es una lectura corta y muy agradable. El autor tiene varios libros de este estilo, a pesar de que se le reconoce mundialmente por su gran obra, "El niño con el pijama de rayas". Recomendable.
March 19, 2016
No recuerdo haberme reído y frustrado tanto a la vez con un libro. Ha sido genial. Tiene un toque cómico que se agracede, e incluso me recordaba a Matilda en ciertas ocasiones (una cucada de libro). Muy recomendable para pasar el rato echándote unas risas.
“Algunas personas simplemente no pueden aceptar algo que se escape a su experiencia.”
“Algunas personas simplemente no pueden aceptar algo que se escape a su experiencia.”
August 7, 2019
A minha opinião em vídeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk1eZ...
September 15, 2019
Verta paskaktyti ne tik vaikams,bet ir tėvams. Nes dažnai patys tėvai nesugeba savo vaikú priimti tokiú,kokie jie yra. O knyga to ir moko, kad negalime būti visi vienodi, pasaulyje pilna “kitokiu” žmoniú. Manau labai gera knyga,vaikui perskaičius galima drauge padiskutuoti kodėl yra kitokiú žmoniú nei mes, kas yra negalia ir ar tikrai tie žmonės kitokie? Jiems taip pat skauda,jie taip pat svajoja, jie tokie pat kaip mes:). Tikrai graži istorija,kupina išminties ir nuotykiú. Kažkada šià knygutę padovanojau giminaičiui berniukui, tai vis man primena,kaip jam patiko Barnabis!!
January 4, 2013
This review first appeared on The Book Zone(For Boys) blog
Is there no end to the talent of John Boyne?
The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas = incredible!
Noah Barleywater Runs Away = amazing!
If you have read either of Boyne's previous books for younger readers then you will know what to expect from Barnaby Brocket - a heart warming and uplifting tale that will tug mercilessly at your heartstrings, with some pretty heavy themes that are woven into the story with humour and deftness of touch that make the book suitable for the both younger audience at which it is aimed, and every age group onwards. You would also know to expect the unexpected.
If Alistair and Eleanor Brocket have on goal in life it is to be normal. To have normal jobs, live in a normal house and have normal children. They certainly do not want to do anything that makes them stand out from the crowd. They are mightily happy as the first two children born into the family prove to be normal to the core, but it is when the third comes along, the titular Barnaby, that the foundations of their world of normality are well and truly shaken. Unlike that of his siblings, Barnaby's birth is not an easy one for his mother, and then when he is born the doctor and nurses step back in amazement as he floats up to the ceiling. From this moment on we begin to see just how terrifyingly ghastly his parents can be in pursuit of their goal, as they try to deal with having a child who is as far from normal as can be. And their comes their ultimate act of betrayal as parents - abandonment. At this point, Barnaby embarks on a journey that sees him travelling around the world, encountering a host of other "different" people along the way.
Although the premise of a boy who somehow defies the law of gravity seems somewhat fantastical, at the root of the story is the concept of being normal, and what happens to those who don't necessarily conform to society's ideals of exactly what constitutes normality. Barnaby's "difference" is that he floats, but for many others it could be a disability, a desire to follow an unusual dream, or simply wanting to do something different from the wishes of a parent. As Barnaby meets person after person who at some point have dared to be different, and are proud of the decisions they have made in life, his own feelings regarding his 'affliction' are shaped, even though all he really wants is to get back to his parents back in Australia. Yes, the thoroughly nasty parents who abandoned him.
To describe Barnaby Brocket as Dahl-esqe is I feel very appropriate. John Boyne has again created a protagonist and host of supporting characters, both good and bad, that will enthral readers, young and old alike. As this book is written for younger readers then the bad characters are very obviously very bad, just as the good characters that Barnaby encounters are obviously very good. There is also a very strong moral running through the story, that may possibly seen exaggerated to the more older and cynical reader, but are an essential part of this as a story for kids (does anybody criticise the morals behind the likes of Matilda or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? I think not).
This is a perfect story for 8+ children, although it will be enjoyed just as much by those younger if read to them by an adult as a bedtime story. I wouldn't be surprised if, in thirty years time, people talk about this book as fondly as they do now about Roald Dahl's various masterpieces of children's fiction. The Terrible Thing That Happened To Barnaby Brocket is destined to be a classic.
Is there no end to the talent of John Boyne?
The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas = incredible!
Noah Barleywater Runs Away = amazing!
If you have read either of Boyne's previous books for younger readers then you will know what to expect from Barnaby Brocket - a heart warming and uplifting tale that will tug mercilessly at your heartstrings, with some pretty heavy themes that are woven into the story with humour and deftness of touch that make the book suitable for the both younger audience at which it is aimed, and every age group onwards. You would also know to expect the unexpected.
If Alistair and Eleanor Brocket have on goal in life it is to be normal. To have normal jobs, live in a normal house and have normal children. They certainly do not want to do anything that makes them stand out from the crowd. They are mightily happy as the first two children born into the family prove to be normal to the core, but it is when the third comes along, the titular Barnaby, that the foundations of their world of normality are well and truly shaken. Unlike that of his siblings, Barnaby's birth is not an easy one for his mother, and then when he is born the doctor and nurses step back in amazement as he floats up to the ceiling. From this moment on we begin to see just how terrifyingly ghastly his parents can be in pursuit of their goal, as they try to deal with having a child who is as far from normal as can be. And their comes their ultimate act of betrayal as parents - abandonment. At this point, Barnaby embarks on a journey that sees him travelling around the world, encountering a host of other "different" people along the way.
Although the premise of a boy who somehow defies the law of gravity seems somewhat fantastical, at the root of the story is the concept of being normal, and what happens to those who don't necessarily conform to society's ideals of exactly what constitutes normality. Barnaby's "difference" is that he floats, but for many others it could be a disability, a desire to follow an unusual dream, or simply wanting to do something different from the wishes of a parent. As Barnaby meets person after person who at some point have dared to be different, and are proud of the decisions they have made in life, his own feelings regarding his 'affliction' are shaped, even though all he really wants is to get back to his parents back in Australia. Yes, the thoroughly nasty parents who abandoned him.
To describe Barnaby Brocket as Dahl-esqe is I feel very appropriate. John Boyne has again created a protagonist and host of supporting characters, both good and bad, that will enthral readers, young and old alike. As this book is written for younger readers then the bad characters are very obviously very bad, just as the good characters that Barnaby encounters are obviously very good. There is also a very strong moral running through the story, that may possibly seen exaggerated to the more older and cynical reader, but are an essential part of this as a story for kids (does anybody criticise the morals behind the likes of Matilda or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? I think not).
This is a perfect story for 8+ children, although it will be enjoyed just as much by those younger if read to them by an adult as a bedtime story. I wouldn't be surprised if, in thirty years time, people talk about this book as fondly as they do now about Roald Dahl's various masterpieces of children's fiction. The Terrible Thing That Happened To Barnaby Brocket is destined to be a classic.
August 10, 2012
Barnaby Brocket is no ordinary boy as he defies the laws of gravity, floating off if he isn't physically restrained. His parents cannot accept his differences and go to extreme lengths to keep him grounded, physically and mentally. One day, Barnaby floats away and you hope he will experience better examples of humanity once freed from the suffocating normality of his earth-bound family.
Before I got the opportunity to "meet" Barnaby he was kidnapped by my two children, aged 8 and 12, and both were engaged by this extraordinary boy and equally enraged by the pompous, creativity-quashing attitudes of his parents. "He should have rung Childline" was the general viewpoint! Having received such a positive reaction from the target audience I was delighted to find my own way into Barnaby's world. It's whimsical, charming with a fantastical story which flows so smoothly you can't help but be carried along. There are touches of Dahl and Walliams with quirky characters and dark humour - this feels very much like a modern children's classic. Oliver Jeffers' beautiful cover is the perfect complement to Boyne's excellent storytelling - highly recommended for children age 8+.
Before I got the opportunity to "meet" Barnaby he was kidnapped by my two children, aged 8 and 12, and both were engaged by this extraordinary boy and equally enraged by the pompous, creativity-quashing attitudes of his parents. "He should have rung Childline" was the general viewpoint! Having received such a positive reaction from the target audience I was delighted to find my own way into Barnaby's world. It's whimsical, charming with a fantastical story which flows so smoothly you can't help but be carried along. There are touches of Dahl and Walliams with quirky characters and dark humour - this feels very much like a modern children's classic. Oliver Jeffers' beautiful cover is the perfect complement to Boyne's excellent storytelling - highly recommended for children age 8+.
August 30, 2023
The good thing about John Boyne’s lovely story is its fey quality. He creates a sense of time which could be now or could be then- one is never quite sure in a world where our protagonist regularly sends old fashioned postcards to his family but also ends up spending some time on a space station.
Add to this some magic, a feeling of serendipity and lots of good luck although it may not seem so at the time.
Barnaby Brocket floats: this is not really a spoiler because we learn this in the first chapter. But it is the key to the whole story. Barnaby defies gravity, which is fantastic; imagine the possibilities of floating around unimpeded. However, floating is the operative word, he has no means of propulsion or guidance – he just floats.
This creates immediate problems, with stop gap solutions (mattresses stuck on the ceiling) to stop baby Barnaby bouncing against the plaster; knapsacks full of rocks to keep him grounded. But the biggest problem is the attention Barnaby attracts, which greatly distresses his button-down parents Alistair and Eleanor, because more than anything they want the boy to be unnoticed, to be ‘normal’.
He meets people who are not normal. Or perhaps out of the ordinary, or unconventional. He encounters and is befriended by folks who are different from the norm in looks, in aspiration, lifestyle and circumstance. He learns to appreciate his own difference.
.
This is a lovely book for anyone, not just youngsters.
PS: The illustrations by Oliver Jeffers are exactly right, whimsical without being cute, clear and romantic.
PPS: John Boyne’s descriptions of Sydney, especially Kirribilli, are so good I wondered whether he is Australian, until I spotted a fatal error: he mentions squirrels - Australia doesn’t have any. John Boyne is Irish.
Add to this some magic, a feeling of serendipity and lots of good luck although it may not seem so at the time.
Barnaby Brocket floats: this is not really a spoiler because we learn this in the first chapter. But it is the key to the whole story. Barnaby defies gravity, which is fantastic; imagine the possibilities of floating around unimpeded. However, floating is the operative word, he has no means of propulsion or guidance – he just floats.
This creates immediate problems, with stop gap solutions (mattresses stuck on the ceiling) to stop baby Barnaby bouncing against the plaster; knapsacks full of rocks to keep him grounded. But the biggest problem is the attention Barnaby attracts, which greatly distresses his button-down parents Alistair and Eleanor, because more than anything they want the boy to be unnoticed, to be ‘normal’.
He meets people who are not normal. Or perhaps out of the ordinary, or unconventional. He encounters and is befriended by folks who are different from the norm in looks, in aspiration, lifestyle and circumstance. He learns to appreciate his own difference.
.
This is a lovely book for anyone, not just youngsters.
PS: The illustrations by Oliver Jeffers are exactly right, whimsical without being cute, clear and romantic.
PPS: John Boyne’s descriptions of Sydney, especially Kirribilli, are so good I wondered whether he is Australian, until I spotted a fatal error: he mentions squirrels - Australia doesn’t have any. John Boyne is Irish.
February 5, 2017
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2017 - A book by an author from a country you've never visited. 6/52
What a beautiful book and a beautiful story!
Barnaby Brocket is a very special boy from the moment he is born. Barnaby Brocket floats, much to the great horror of his parents. And then the terrible happens and he floats away toward adventure.
I really enjoyed this book. It was quirky and strange and it's about acceptance of one's weirdness. It had beautiful illustrations that mirrored the mood of the book.
Beautifully written and great story.
What a beautiful book and a beautiful story!
Barnaby Brocket is a very special boy from the moment he is born. Barnaby Brocket floats, much to the great horror of his parents. And then the terrible happens and he floats away toward adventure.
I really enjoyed this book. It was quirky and strange and it's about acceptance of one's weirdness. It had beautiful illustrations that mirrored the mood of the book.
Beautifully written and great story.
April 6, 2022
#confirmed, Mr. Murphy has good taste in literature. Even though it's a kids book i thoroughly enjoyed it and loved the celebration of being different in this book and I think it's a great way of showing kids that being different is great and maybe the best thing about us.
also, it had some really great queer-coded characters (not in the queer-fishing type of way), which made me really happy. :))
also, it had some really great queer-coded characters (not in the queer-fishing type of way), which made me really happy. :))
September 6, 2012
The terrible thing that happened to Barnaby Brocket, wasn't really a terrible thing in my eyes, because it made him see how truly special he was. OK, his mother went against any scrap of maternal instinct she might have had and didn't really lose any sleep over what she did, but to be honest, Barnaby was much better off with out his parents.
Barnaby was exceptional, clever, mature and thoughtful; the kind of child you would love and adore. The only thing that made him different from other children was that he could float and when he began to float he normally had difficulty stopping. His unique ability made him different and his parents just couldn't cope with it. They were just too nomal, living in Normalville, with every aspect of their life in line with normality. To me normal is boring, so I quickly dismissed his parents and not worth having, reminiscent of Matilda's parents in Roald Dahl's classic.
The comparisons to Dahl are well founded, as the story brings back to life the horrible adults, Roald Dahl was so famous for creating. The story has the same kind of magic, that Dahl was so good at breathing into his books. There is also that strong sense of good morals and justice being served to those who aren't very nice. I can almost imagineRoald Dahl nodding his head in approval at such a brilliant contrast to his own work.
This book really makes you realise that it is perfectly fine to be different from everyone else. You don't have to follow the crowd, you can be yourself and you won't appear abnormal. Your uniqueness makes you special.
I loved the way Barnaby would pay it forward for every kind act that came his way. He never took for granted the help he received from others and always went out of his way to return the favour. With each new person he met, he took away valuable lessons which helped him to love who he was.
I adored the illustrations within the book, with the postcards being some of my favourites. Oliver Jeffers excellent art work reminded me so much of Quentin Blake's illustrations which were often used with Roald Dahl's books.
This really is a timeless and beautiful tale that will find a home among the best loved chidren's classics.
Barnaby was exceptional, clever, mature and thoughtful; the kind of child you would love and adore. The only thing that made him different from other children was that he could float and when he began to float he normally had difficulty stopping. His unique ability made him different and his parents just couldn't cope with it. They were just too nomal, living in Normalville, with every aspect of their life in line with normality. To me normal is boring, so I quickly dismissed his parents and not worth having, reminiscent of Matilda's parents in Roald Dahl's classic.
The comparisons to Dahl are well founded, as the story brings back to life the horrible adults, Roald Dahl was so famous for creating. The story has the same kind of magic, that Dahl was so good at breathing into his books. There is also that strong sense of good morals and justice being served to those who aren't very nice. I can almost imagineRoald Dahl nodding his head in approval at such a brilliant contrast to his own work.
This book really makes you realise that it is perfectly fine to be different from everyone else. You don't have to follow the crowd, you can be yourself and you won't appear abnormal. Your uniqueness makes you special.
I loved the way Barnaby would pay it forward for every kind act that came his way. He never took for granted the help he received from others and always went out of his way to return the favour. With each new person he met, he took away valuable lessons which helped him to love who he was.
I adored the illustrations within the book, with the postcards being some of my favourites. Oliver Jeffers excellent art work reminded me so much of Quentin Blake's illustrations which were often used with Roald Dahl's books.
This really is a timeless and beautiful tale that will find a home among the best loved chidren's classics.
December 21, 2016
Adorei a mensagem do livro, e acho um livro super indicado para os jovens. E mesmo para os grandes, para refletirem um pouco nas suas atitudes. Compreenderem que temos que aceitar toda a gente, mesmo que sejam diferentes ou façam escolhas que não são do nosso agrado.
é uma historia simples, que flui super bem.
é uma historia simples, que flui super bem.
February 13, 2020
This book was an amazingly funny book by John Boyne about a boy called Barnaby Brocket born into a very ordinary house with ordinary parents but the second he is born, he defies the laws of gravity by floating to the ceiling! (the spoiler is sort of quite spoilerish)
December 31, 2024
Nebloga knyga su aiškiu moralu: kad būti kitokiu dar nereiškia būti nenormaliu. Įvykiai vietomis kiek skubinami, kaip ir pati pabaiga. Veikėjų gausa irgi stebina, bet gal be to nebūtų bendro "pasaulinio" vaizdo.
October 27, 2018
(4.5⭐) Que libro del bien. Te hace sentir muchas emociones a la vez, pero más que nada alegría y tristeza.
August 16, 2020
Really good and funny book about what is "normal". Barnaby Brocket is born into a perfectly normal family, with perfectly normal parents, which live in a perfectly normal house with their perfectly normal children, and perfectly normal dog. Until Barnaby is born, and he defies the law of gravity by floating to the ceiling. His parents can't seem to accept the fact that Barnaby is different to them by their standards, and eventually make a terrible decision, leading to a series of adventures that Barnaby has, on the way meeting many different people.
June 7, 2017
Tämä on kyllä yksi omituisimmista lastenkirjoista mitä olen ikinä lukenut, enkä tällä kertaa tarkoita sitä pelkästään positiivisena asiana. Tuhahtelin älyttömyyksille monta kertaa lukemisen aikana... mutta toisaalta taidan olla ihan liian tosikko, kuten on jo monesti aiemminkin todettu.
Suosittelisin tätä kirjaa mielikuvitustaan kahlitsemattomille taiteilijaseikkailijoille. Hauskaa matkaa!
Suosittelisin tätä kirjaa mielikuvitustaan kahlitsemattomille taiteilijaseikkailijoille. Hauskaa matkaa!
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