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The Elements #4
Luft
Was, wenn die Schuld bestimmt, wer wir sind? – John Boynes »Die Elemente«
Aaron Umber fällt es schwer, Nähe zuzulassen. Ein traumatisches Erlebnis in seiner Kindheit steht noch immer zwischen ihm und den Dingen, die er sich am sehnlichsten wü Vertrauen, Liebe, Zärtlichkeit. Auf einer gemeinsamen Flugreise, zehntausend Meter über der Erde, erkennt er, dass sein Hang zur Einsamkeit auf seinen Sohn Emmett abzufärben droht. Schließlich fasst er sich ein Herz und spricht über das, was ihm widerfahren ist. Denn in der Enge des Flugzeugs gibt es kein Entkommen vor den Geistern seiner Vergangenheit.
Mit viel Gefühl nähert sich John Boyne in »Luft« der Beziehung zwischen einem Vater und seinem Sohn, und erzählt eine berührende Geschichte vom Nachhall einer schmerzhaften Erfahrung, die sich über Generationen weiterträgt. Und von der Hoffnung auf Heilung.
»Einer der besten seiner Generation« Observer
»Luft« ist Teil 4 von John Boynes großem Erzählprojekt »Die Elemente«.
Aaron Umber fällt es schwer, Nähe zuzulassen. Ein traumatisches Erlebnis in seiner Kindheit steht noch immer zwischen ihm und den Dingen, die er sich am sehnlichsten wü Vertrauen, Liebe, Zärtlichkeit. Auf einer gemeinsamen Flugreise, zehntausend Meter über der Erde, erkennt er, dass sein Hang zur Einsamkeit auf seinen Sohn Emmett abzufärben droht. Schließlich fasst er sich ein Herz und spricht über das, was ihm widerfahren ist. Denn in der Enge des Flugzeugs gibt es kein Entkommen vor den Geistern seiner Vergangenheit.
Mit viel Gefühl nähert sich John Boyne in »Luft« der Beziehung zwischen einem Vater und seinem Sohn, und erzählt eine berührende Geschichte vom Nachhall einer schmerzhaften Erfahrung, die sich über Generationen weiterträgt. Und von der Hoffnung auf Heilung.
»Einer der besten seiner Generation« Observer
»Luft« ist Teil 4 von John Boynes großem Erzählprojekt »Die Elemente«.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2025
344 people are currently reading
7571 people want to read
About the author
John Boyne
89 books15.4k followersI was born in Dublin, Ireland, and studied English Literature at Trinity College, Dublin, and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. In 2015, I was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by UEA.
I’ve published 14 novels for adults, 6 novels for younger readers, and a short story collection. The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas was a New York Times no.1 Bestseller and was adapted for a feature film, a play, a ballet and an opera, selling around 11 million copies worldwide.
Among my most popular books are The Heart’s Invisible Furies, A Ladder to the Sky and My Brother’s Name is Jessica.
I’m also a regular book reviewer for The Irish Times.
In 2012, I was awarded the Hennessy Literary ‘Hall of Fame’ Award for my body of work. I’ve also won 4 Irish Book Awards, and many international literary awards, including the Que Leer Award for Novel of the Year in Spain and the Gustav Heinemann Peace Prize in Germany. In 2015, I was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of East Anglia.
My novels are published in 58 languages.
My 14th adult novel, ALL THE BROKEN PLACES, a sequel and companion novel to THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS, will be published in the UK on September 15th 2022, in the US and Canada on November 29th, and in many foreign language editions in late 2022 and 2023.
I’ve published 14 novels for adults, 6 novels for younger readers, and a short story collection. The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas was a New York Times no.1 Bestseller and was adapted for a feature film, a play, a ballet and an opera, selling around 11 million copies worldwide.
Among my most popular books are The Heart’s Invisible Furies, A Ladder to the Sky and My Brother’s Name is Jessica.
I’m also a regular book reviewer for The Irish Times.
In 2012, I was awarded the Hennessy Literary ‘Hall of Fame’ Award for my body of work. I’ve also won 4 Irish Book Awards, and many international literary awards, including the Que Leer Award for Novel of the Year in Spain and the Gustav Heinemann Peace Prize in Germany. In 2015, I was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of East Anglia.
My novels are published in 58 languages.
My 14th adult novel, ALL THE BROKEN PLACES, a sequel and companion novel to THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS, will be published in the UK on September 15th 2022, in the US and Canada on November 29th, and in many foreign language editions in late 2022 and 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,110 reviews
May 17, 2025
While I did very much enjoy this final installment in the quartet, it is my least favourite. I guess one of them had to be.
There's nothing wrong with Air-- it contains the strong characterization, the nuanced look at relationships, and touches of both darkness and humour that has defined this series (and that I just expect from Boyne at this point). There are clever narrative twists and unexpected turns, and a very touching relationship between a father and his son.
But I think this was my least favourite for two reasons, the first being that this is a bit of a tying up of loose ends, threading everything together and establishing all the connections that have been present throughout the four books. It doesn't stand on its own as well as the others and, while I recommend reading in order, I think this is the only one that cannot work as a standalone and rests heavily on the groundwork of the other three.
Second, I personally really enjoyed the brilliantly complex characters of Water, Earth and Fire. They were all guilty in their own ways, some more than others, and I found the exploration of culpability absolutely fascinating. In Air, the characters are simply victims, completely devoid of any culpability, and while I still enjoyed their stories, it wasn't quite as interesting for me. Though, I should add, my favourite (Fire) seems to be everyone else's least favourite, so this is probably just me.
I see that an omnibus edition of the quartet-- The Elements --is on the way, and I think what I mentioned above will likely be less noticeable when the stories are read together. Either way, I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys thoughtful and compelling character studies.
Please note that sexual assault is a theme throughout the series.
There's nothing wrong with Air-- it contains the strong characterization, the nuanced look at relationships, and touches of both darkness and humour that has defined this series (and that I just expect from Boyne at this point). There are clever narrative twists and unexpected turns, and a very touching relationship between a father and his son.
But I think this was my least favourite for two reasons, the first being that this is a bit of a tying up of loose ends, threading everything together and establishing all the connections that have been present throughout the four books. It doesn't stand on its own as well as the others and, while I recommend reading in order, I think this is the only one that cannot work as a standalone and rests heavily on the groundwork of the other three.
Second, I personally really enjoyed the brilliantly complex characters of Water, Earth and Fire. They were all guilty in their own ways, some more than others, and I found the exploration of culpability absolutely fascinating. In Air, the characters are simply victims, completely devoid of any culpability, and while I still enjoyed their stories, it wasn't quite as interesting for me. Though, I should add, my favourite (Fire) seems to be everyone else's least favourite, so this is probably just me.
I see that an omnibus edition of the quartet-- The Elements --is on the way, and I think what I mentioned above will likely be less noticeable when the stories are read together. Either way, I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys thoughtful and compelling character studies.
Please note that sexual assault is a theme throughout the series.
October 24, 2025
I need to expunge my feelings, thoughts and emotions onto this page before the book I have released from my hands, hits the bed.
Oh my - Air is the stunning conclusion of John Boyne’s brilliant Elements tetralogy.
Water, Earth, Fire and Air are novellas, ever so loosely intertwined, involving the hurt, love, darkness, resentment, and myriads of other emotions involved in the normal lives of normal, ordinary people.
We behave the way we do partly or wholly because of the actions of others – I am convinced of this. Elements confirm that for me. Whether it be sexual abuse, neglectful parenting, self-destructive behaviour, unresolved trauma, relationship breakdowns, erratic behaviour, or the total absence of love in a marriage, or the absence of sex and intimacy. These things don’t occur in a vacuum.
We all are, or have the capacity to be, victims and perpetrators at various times of our lives.
Boyne’s writing is succinct, he gets to the point – but still leaves room for the reader to feel and reflect on their own life and relationships.
The latter third of Air blew me away, Boyne punched me in the chest. It touched on several themes in my own family, in my own life, in the lives of others around me.
The way Boyne interweaves the disparate lives of his characters, and various themes is stunning. Some of the connections are faint kisses, others a full-blown punch. The closing chapter of this series pulls all the strands together.
One thing a series about people, like this does, in my view, is foster empathy. My empathy gland is exploding right now – this is one of the most beautiful things about literary fiction at its best, it engenders empathy, understanding. In this crazy world when things often make little sense – this is a valuable commodity.
I’ve told you nothing about this story. There’s no need – just pick up the first of the series (Water), and strap yourself in for the ride.
It’s unforgettable.
5 Stars
Oh my - Air is the stunning conclusion of John Boyne’s brilliant Elements tetralogy.
Water, Earth, Fire and Air are novellas, ever so loosely intertwined, involving the hurt, love, darkness, resentment, and myriads of other emotions involved in the normal lives of normal, ordinary people.
We behave the way we do partly or wholly because of the actions of others – I am convinced of this. Elements confirm that for me. Whether it be sexual abuse, neglectful parenting, self-destructive behaviour, unresolved trauma, relationship breakdowns, erratic behaviour, or the total absence of love in a marriage, or the absence of sex and intimacy. These things don’t occur in a vacuum.
We all are, or have the capacity to be, victims and perpetrators at various times of our lives.
Boyne’s writing is succinct, he gets to the point – but still leaves room for the reader to feel and reflect on their own life and relationships.
The latter third of Air blew me away, Boyne punched me in the chest. It touched on several themes in my own family, in my own life, in the lives of others around me.
The way Boyne interweaves the disparate lives of his characters, and various themes is stunning. Some of the connections are faint kisses, others a full-blown punch. The closing chapter of this series pulls all the strands together.
One thing a series about people, like this does, in my view, is foster empathy. My empathy gland is exploding right now – this is one of the most beautiful things about literary fiction at its best, it engenders empathy, understanding. In this crazy world when things often make little sense – this is a valuable commodity.
I’ve told you nothing about this story. There’s no need – just pick up the first of the series (Water), and strap yourself in for the ride.
It’s unforgettable.
5 Stars
May 26, 2025
Reading this last novella in the Elements series was a relief , a beautiful reprieve . I read it in one sitting . The first three books were tough to read especially the third Fire , all of which are about sexual abuse , especially on children. The impact of the abuse is evident in this last one as well, but its focus is on healing , understanding , reconciliation , family and love. As with the second and third, a character from the previous story becomes the main character . I loved how Boyne moves the story line this way and makes the transition from one to the next connecting the characters and themes , sometimes with a surprise connection. I know I keep repeating myself in these reviews , but I have to say it again - Boyne is brilliant writer who lets the reader into the minds and hearts of his characters. This is as beautiful as the other three novelllas are brutal. Beautifully written and executed and a perfect way to end the series .
This is the fourth and last 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.
This is the fourth and last 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.
May 16, 2025
What a beautiful last installment to the Elements quartet!
Tenderly written and it brought all the elements together.
Loved these interwoven stories from the Master! ❤️
Tenderly written and it brought all the elements together.
Loved these interwoven stories from the Master! ❤️
July 31, 2025
Five glowing stars for the final installment of The Elements. Loved that everything came full circle. Elements (literally and stylistically) from the previous novels appear again adding to the sense of closure. It was a fitting and emotionally satisfying ending. There is a sense of relief and healing. The broken are able to move beyond their brokenness and there is a sense of hope for the future.
July 17, 2025
John Boyne has come full circle with the fourth in the Elements series. Aaron and his son Emmett travel back to the island where it all began. An island surrounded by water, whose air is fresh and pure.
In this book, there is none of the brutality and evil as in the previous three. This time we are with the survivors, whom we have met in the previous books. Yes, their past was brutal, their memories are horrific but we see how they have moved forward. Moving forward is never easy but it can be done.
This series was pure genius. John Boyne has shown how evil people are in our midst, most often people we actually know. They perpetrate horrors that have lasting effects. But there is also beauty and love around us whether it be in the physical world or the people who are there for us.
“Because unlike in the real world, when a writer invents characters, we get to decide how their stories end. Happy or sad.”
“And which do you favour?”
“Oh, happy,” she told me without hesitation. “Always happy. Readers need to feel that there’s hope.”
“For the characters?”
“No. For them.”
Thank you, John Boyne. You never fail to touch my heart with your writing and your stories.
Published: 2025
In this book, there is none of the brutality and evil as in the previous three. This time we are with the survivors, whom we have met in the previous books. Yes, their past was brutal, their memories are horrific but we see how they have moved forward. Moving forward is never easy but it can be done.
This series was pure genius. John Boyne has shown how evil people are in our midst, most often people we actually know. They perpetrate horrors that have lasting effects. But there is also beauty and love around us whether it be in the physical world or the people who are there for us.
“Because unlike in the real world, when a writer invents characters, we get to decide how their stories end. Happy or sad.”
“And which do you favour?”
“Oh, happy,” she told me without hesitation. “Always happy. Readers need to feel that there’s hope.”
“For the characters?”
“No. For them.”
Thank you, John Boyne. You never fail to touch my heart with your writing and your stories.
Published: 2025
August 23, 2025
It feels like a lifetime ago since I read my first John Boyne. Water was a brilliant start to The Elements, the first of four novellas that takes on the darkest of human conditions. But that was only two weeks ago. Both simple and complex, it's remarkable piece of writing. Air was a wonderful end to the series. Finishing where it started, it engages the most difficult of subjects - forgiveness. After the darkness comes the light.
It's brave, thought provoking literature that asks questions you may not want to answer.
It's brave, thought provoking literature that asks questions you may not want to answer.
July 18, 2025
Water ★★★★
Earth ★★★★
Fire ★★★★★
Air ★★★★
This has turned out to be a really solid series, and it’s great to see it already being collected into a single edition. Air was a strong conclusion to The Elements series. Like Emily May mentioned in her review, I also felt the story peaked with Fire, but Air still delivered a satisfying ending.
Interestingly, I assumed Fire was the most popular among readers, but it actually has the lowest average rating in the series, though at 4.2 stars, it’s still quite high. Personally, Fire earned my first 5-star rating of the year.
Air stands apart from the other books in that it doesn't work well as a standalone, unlike the first three. It serves as a culmination of all the previous stories, tying everything together. It felt more subdued, dare I say, more “vanilla”—than the earlier entries. While the theme of sexual abuse remains present, it didn’t hit as hard emotionally this time around.
Novellas aren't usually my cup of tea, but this one had all the right elements (see what I did there?).
Earth ★★★★
Fire ★★★★★
Air ★★★★
This has turned out to be a really solid series, and it’s great to see it already being collected into a single edition. Air was a strong conclusion to The Elements series. Like Emily May mentioned in her review, I also felt the story peaked with Fire, but Air still delivered a satisfying ending.
Interestingly, I assumed Fire was the most popular among readers, but it actually has the lowest average rating in the series, though at 4.2 stars, it’s still quite high. Personally, Fire earned my first 5-star rating of the year.
Air stands apart from the other books in that it doesn't work well as a standalone, unlike the first three. It serves as a culmination of all the previous stories, tying everything together. It felt more subdued, dare I say, more “vanilla”—than the earlier entries. While the theme of sexual abuse remains present, it didn’t hit as hard emotionally this time around.
Novellas aren't usually my cup of tea, but this one had all the right elements (see what I did there?).
October 22, 2025
This is the final part of the "Elements" quartet, and it does a great job weaving everything together: Both the destinies of the characters, and the main themes of sexual abuse and the search for love. The protagonist is Aaron Umber, the young doctor from Fire who now works as a child psychologist in Australia. He is raising his fourteen-year-old son Emmet, whose mother is his ex-wife Rebecca, Willow's daughter from Water. As in all installments, the text works as a puzzle: We learn that Aaron and Emmet are boarding a plane to meet Rebecca, who, considering the duration of the journey which takes up the majority of the text, must be far away (we later learn where she is, of course). In classic travel lit fashion, the voyage will leave everyone changed, especially Emmet who hasn't yet learnt about his family's dark secrets...
Aaron is a great narrator, because he oscillates between his professional knowledge about child psychology, his struggles as a father of a beloved teenage son and his own childhood trauma, so the character has a lot of complexity, and his pain is counterbalanced with his sense of humor and his strong determination we already know from Fire. While the first three parts are driven by surprising and mostly truly shocking twists, the driving force here is Aaron's quest to beat the familial cycle of abuse: He wants to unburden himself and Rebecca, and not pass on any pain to Emmet.
Because the scenes are so realistic and immersive, there isn't much melodrama here, except for the slightly saccharine ending. The more I think about the quartet as a whole, the more astonished I am how the four tableaux come together, depicting a net of abuse while culminating in the survivors of sexual abuse that are still alive (there is quite a lot of suicide and unexplained causes of death in this series) trying to beat their demons in a last stand, one they fight together. This sense of community, and how it can lift people up or serve to exclude outsiders, is a theme of the quartet that becomes particularly apparent in the last part. Another major topic that re-emerges is gendered violence in a sense that sexual abuse of teenage boys by women is often not acknowledged as a crime, not even by the police.
A great achievement, I wish Boyne would read his own series, especially part three, and ponder how in the world he can uphold his TERF beliefs, an ideology that causes harm and trauma to the vulnerable, which is what "The Elements" stands up against in very clear and stark terms. Judging by the art alone, art that is in this case smarter than the artist, "The Elements" is a prize-worthy project.
Aaron is a great narrator, because he oscillates between his professional knowledge about child psychology, his struggles as a father of a beloved teenage son and his own childhood trauma, so the character has a lot of complexity, and his pain is counterbalanced with his sense of humor and his strong determination we already know from Fire. While the first three parts are driven by surprising and mostly truly shocking twists, the driving force here is Aaron's quest to beat the familial cycle of abuse: He wants to unburden himself and Rebecca, and not pass on any pain to Emmet.
Because the scenes are so realistic and immersive, there isn't much melodrama here, except for the slightly saccharine ending. The more I think about the quartet as a whole, the more astonished I am how the four tableaux come together, depicting a net of abuse while culminating in the survivors of sexual abuse that are still alive (there is quite a lot of suicide and unexplained causes of death in this series) trying to beat their demons in a last stand, one they fight together. This sense of community, and how it can lift people up or serve to exclude outsiders, is a theme of the quartet that becomes particularly apparent in the last part. Another major topic that re-emerges is gendered violence in a sense that sexual abuse of teenage boys by women is often not acknowledged as a crime, not even by the police.
A great achievement, I wish Boyne would read his own series, especially part three, and ponder how in the world he can uphold his TERF beliefs, an ideology that causes harm and trauma to the vulnerable, which is what "The Elements" stands up against in very clear and stark terms. Judging by the art alone, art that is in this case smarter than the artist, "The Elements" is a prize-worthy project.
May 6, 2025
What a series! I couldn’t wait for the Elements to be released in the U.S. so I ordered the separate books from Blackwell’s in the UK. Each book focuses on a different aspect of a crime. They are all excellent and should be read in order - Water (the enabler), Earth (the accomplice), Fire (the perpetrator) and Air (the victim). This last one, Air, ties all of the stories together beautifully and tenderly.
Trigger warning - the crimes are all sex crimes and Boyne focuses on the resulting traumas of those crimes.
Highly recommend to Boyne fans. A very gifted writer and storyteller.
Trigger warning - the crimes are all sex crimes and Boyne focuses on the resulting traumas of those crimes.
Highly recommend to Boyne fans. A very gifted writer and storyteller.
November 14, 2025
Oh I’m so sad I’ve finished this last book in The Elements series! I’ve ridden my pogo stick to the final destination and I’m lingering there while this series is still flowing through my veins. I’m still bouncing but pretty bummed that my candy bag is now empty—I’ve eaten all the delicious pieces! I’ll just try to appreciate how good it all was and work on feeling satiated. After all, everything was pieced together perfectly at the end; Boyne left nothing hanging. I love that there was closure. And it’s brilliant the way he did it! Yep, I think I’m satiated. Sigh. But I’m not hot to pick up another book just yet; it’s going to be a hard act to follow.
Although I loved this final installment in the series, it didn’t grab we quite as much as the other books did. It’s tamer—less exciting and less immediate. I hate to say this, but I think it’s because there were more twinges of happiness and forgiveness at the end of this one, and I think I prefer darkness and edge, lol! I I always have trouble with forgiveness, I guess because I think it’s seldom achieved in real life. Oh, I mean people try, but isn’t there always some lingering anger or disappointment that makes it impossible to fully forgive someone? I don’t know, it could just be me. Boyne did manage to make this story believable. Despite my proclivity toward dark tales, I did like how this final book was hopeful. (I’ll take hope where I can get it, lol!)
There was a lot of angst to grab onto and appreciate. If an author is competent in writing angst (and the characters aren’t too whiny or obnoxious), this gets my empathy train a-chuggin.’ And empathy is an expansive feeling. In this book as in the previous three, Boyne really makes you feel the characters, and there is nothing better than that.
This book is about Aaron, a character we met in the third book, Fire. He’s divorced and you can feel the sting in his skin. He’s taking a trip with his teenage son, Emmett. Aaron has secrets from a traumatic past, which still gnaw at him. But mostly he’s hoping that his kid isn’t screwed up by his divorce and that his kid loves him.
Most of the book takes place on a plane, where dad nervously assesses his son and their relationship. There is more angst than banter between them, and I was rooting for both of them. Emmett is your typical teenager, with secrets of his own. Dad worry abounds and it all feels very realistic. We feel his anguish—and also his love—for his kid.
Until the end, we don’t know where they are going or why. The mystery is luscious, and as in the earlier books, there’s a great twist or two. The one big twist made me aware of how I made a (false) assumption based on how plots usually play out. I love how the whammy came out of left field. Definitely did not see it coming! The end of the book is killer good!
This is the only book in the series that doesn’t work great as a stand-alone, since the end of this book is a wrap-up of all the novellas. You’ll miss a lot of its oomph if you don’t know the characters. It’s a super satisfying read for those who have read the first three novellas.
Now I have to figure out how I can fit in more books by Boyne! I’m sort of obsessed by his work!
August 1, 2025
“ Because unlike in the real world, when a writer invents character, we get to decide how their stories end. Happy or sad.”
Book four in the elements quartet - Air.
After the emotional rollercoaster of the previous three- Water, Earth , Fire ..this final book was approached with a sense of intrepidation because the previous stories have remained in thought… the power and the visceral nature of the impact on individuals
Air is different ..it’s a book about healing and love and the impact of historic events. Uniting characters from the previous books, this is a powerful and somewhat beautiful read- the need for restorative acceptance and confronting of the past
It is best to not name characters so the book has maximum impact and each reader enters the book in their own way..but you do have to read the previous three elements to fully appreciate the power of John Boyne’s prose.
Such succinct stories that have had a huge impact.
This review is shorter than the previous books but that is purposeful because to say too much would diminish the reflection and emotion that will be encountered in this novel
Highly recommended
Book four in the elements quartet - Air.
After the emotional rollercoaster of the previous three- Water, Earth , Fire ..this final book was approached with a sense of intrepidation because the previous stories have remained in thought… the power and the visceral nature of the impact on individuals
Air is different ..it’s a book about healing and love and the impact of historic events. Uniting characters from the previous books, this is a powerful and somewhat beautiful read- the need for restorative acceptance and confronting of the past
It is best to not name characters so the book has maximum impact and each reader enters the book in their own way..but you do have to read the previous three elements to fully appreciate the power of John Boyne’s prose.
Such succinct stories that have had a huge impact.
This review is shorter than the previous books but that is purposeful because to say too much would diminish the reflection and emotion that will be encountered in this novel
Highly recommended
February 15, 2025
Loved Water, kinda disliked Earth, hated Fire, and finished the series out of spite. Dang it, Boyne, you gave me chills.
June 15, 2025
C’est un génie purée :(
June 17, 2025
The Elements series by John Boyne is a collection of four novellas – Water, Earth, Fire, and Air – each representing the four elements found in nature. Air is #4.
On his 40th birthday a father and his 14-year-old son board a plane flying from Sydney to Dubai. But that’s not the end of their journey. And there are things Aaron needs to confide in Emmet - terrible family secrets that he has kept hidden from his son in order to protect him. And maybe sharing his story will allow not only himself and Emmet to start to heal, but also other victims affected by the events of Water, Earth, Fire, and Air.
What an emotional conclusion! Air definitely brought tears to my eyes, and I was so grateful that we were given closure, justice, and hope for the future for characters who had endured and suffered so much past trauma. This novella took us full circle, back to where it all began with ties to all three previous instalments, but especially books one and four. I estimate Air took place approximately eighteen years after the harrowing events of Fire. Out of the four, this one was the least distressing and disturbing but still contained some very dark themes. One scene in particular was very chilling. This entire series has been amazing. As always, John Boyne is an incredibly versatile and gifted writer.
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:
On his 40th birthday a father and his 14-year-old son board a plane flying from Sydney to Dubai. But that’s not the end of their journey. And there are things Aaron needs to confide in Emmet - terrible family secrets that he has kept hidden from his son in order to protect him. And maybe sharing his story will allow not only himself and Emmet to start to heal, but also other victims affected by the events of Water, Earth, Fire, and Air.
What an emotional conclusion! Air definitely brought tears to my eyes, and I was so grateful that we were given closure, justice, and hope for the future for characters who had endured and suffered so much past trauma. This novella took us full circle, back to where it all began with ties to all three previous instalments, but especially books one and four. I estimate Air took place approximately eighteen years after the harrowing events of Fire. Out of the four, this one was the least distressing and disturbing but still contained some very dark themes. One scene in particular was very chilling. This entire series has been amazing. As always, John Boyne is an incredibly versatile and gifted writer.
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:
January 5, 2026
'In an ideal world I would be spending my 40th birthday in a bar overlooking Bondi Beach, a beer in my left hand, a woman I love by my right, while friends tease me about my receding hairline.' pg 1.
This opening sentence blew me away. Especially since I started reading this the day after the Bondi massacre, which happened a short distance from where I spent many years working with young people. All close to the bone for sure.
Having read the first three novellas in the Elements saga, it was the last beginning of the final chapter I could imagine as previously only Ireland and England had been part of the story. I waited a long time to get this from the local library via ebook, so some time had elapsed since I read the first three, so it took me a while to connect the dots of all the main characters.
This was by far the most moving and powerful novella in the story, yet not as shocking or troubling. The real struggle with Emmet and his father was so real and powerful. John Boyne is a masterful writer and this novel, read by me in four separate parts, was one of the best I've read this year, if not any year. 5+ stars from me, great stuff.
This opening sentence blew me away. Especially since I started reading this the day after the Bondi massacre, which happened a short distance from where I spent many years working with young people. All close to the bone for sure.
Having read the first three novellas in the Elements saga, it was the last beginning of the final chapter I could imagine as previously only Ireland and England had been part of the story. I waited a long time to get this from the local library via ebook, so some time had elapsed since I read the first three, so it took me a while to connect the dots of all the main characters.
This was by far the most moving and powerful novella in the story, yet not as shocking or troubling. The real struggle with Emmet and his father was so real and powerful. John Boyne is a masterful writer and this novel, read by me in four separate parts, was one of the best I've read this year, if not any year. 5+ stars from me, great stuff.
September 9, 2025
The final novel in the Elements series ties up loose ends that make them a circular read. There is no doubt that the author, John Boyne is to be admired for not taking the misery of the first three to this final book, Air.
Air is a good title; events happen on a flight from Australia to Ireland, but the Air is freshened revitalised and easy to breathe. No deplorable action by many of the protagonists, more a clearing of the Air in terms of explanations. Redemptive comes to mind
I am glad I have listened to this series, no matter how confronting it has been at times. We need to challenge ourselves, and this sure did.
Air is a good title; events happen on a flight from Australia to Ireland, but the Air is freshened revitalised and easy to breathe. No deplorable action by many of the protagonists, more a clearing of the Air in terms of explanations. Redemptive comes to mind
I am glad I have listened to this series, no matter how confronting it has been at times. We need to challenge ourselves, and this sure did.
September 19, 2025
“Air”, (The Elements #4), by John Boyne
5 shining stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a superb writer!
Here we have the final book of “The Elements” series.
And what a great way to end it!
I was so happy to see the author’s sense of humour back, even if the topics were still serious and disturbing.
The dynamic between father and son was terrific!
So much love and sensitivity blending together!
So tenderly written!
This one was the lightest in the series, but still talks about sensitive topics such as sexual abuse, infidelity and so on.
I found the conclusion to be very touching and I was compelled to cry a bit.
Such a well balanced story to wrap up the series.
Except for the last 5 chapters, I read the physical book while simultaneously listening to the audiobook (The Elements).
This was my 20th book by this author and I have not read all of his works yet, but I hope it won’t take him too long for him publish a new book.
Hardcover: 166 pages
The audiobook includes all four books and is narrated by Anna Friel, Colin Morgan, Dane Whyte O’Hara, Niamh Cusack: 17.8 hours (unabridged)
5 shining stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a superb writer!
Here we have the final book of “The Elements” series.
And what a great way to end it!
I was so happy to see the author’s sense of humour back, even if the topics were still serious and disturbing.
The dynamic between father and son was terrific!
So much love and sensitivity blending together!
So tenderly written!
This one was the lightest in the series, but still talks about sensitive topics such as sexual abuse, infidelity and so on.
I found the conclusion to be very touching and I was compelled to cry a bit.
Such a well balanced story to wrap up the series.
Except for the last 5 chapters, I read the physical book while simultaneously listening to the audiobook (The Elements).
This was my 20th book by this author and I have not read all of his works yet, but I hope it won’t take him too long for him publish a new book.
Hardcover: 166 pages
The audiobook includes all four books and is narrated by Anna Friel, Colin Morgan, Dane Whyte O’Hara, Niamh Cusack: 17.8 hours (unabridged)
April 2, 2025
4.5, rounded up.
While the first three volumes of Boyne's tetralogy all merited a full five stars, this was probably my least favorite of them, hence the subtraction of a half star - until the final few pages, in which it all comes together beautifully. I found it a masterpiece of construction, unerring how Boyne weaves together both plot threads and themes in such an exquisite tapestry.
Partially my mild disgruntlement was that - whereas in the previous tomes, Boyne doles out his twists and turns in such a way that I never saw them coming - in this, two of the major surprises could be determined a LONG way in advance. Plus, the MC here, one Aaron Umber, who is a lesser character in Fire, is just not as compelling or interesting a protagonist as Vanessa/Willow, Evan and Freya from the earlier works.
To make matters worse, there is some mighty poor copyediting in just this last section - twice, characters are called by the wrong names, and I gave up counting how many times words were either omitted or obvs. in the wrong place. Hopefully these errors will be corrected prior to actual publication.
Still, a fine conclusion to the work as a whole, and I am sure the entire work, The Elements, will be in my top 5 books of 2025.
While the first three volumes of Boyne's tetralogy all merited a full five stars, this was probably my least favorite of them, hence the subtraction of a half star - until the final few pages, in which it all comes together beautifully. I found it a masterpiece of construction, unerring how Boyne weaves together both plot threads and themes in such an exquisite tapestry.
Partially my mild disgruntlement was that - whereas in the previous tomes, Boyne doles out his twists and turns in such a way that I never saw them coming - in this, two of the major surprises could be determined a LONG way in advance. Plus, the MC here, one Aaron Umber, who is a lesser character in Fire, is just not as compelling or interesting a protagonist as Vanessa/Willow, Evan and Freya from the earlier works.
To make matters worse, there is some mighty poor copyediting in just this last section - twice, characters are called by the wrong names, and I gave up counting how many times words were either omitted or obvs. in the wrong place. Hopefully these errors will be corrected prior to actual publication.
Still, a fine conclusion to the work as a whole, and I am sure the entire work, The Elements, will be in my top 5 books of 2025.
May 25, 2025
The last of four linked novellas (the others being Water, Earth and Fire) penned by this brilliant Irish writer. Here, we meet up with Aaron and his fifteen-year-old son, who are travelling across the world from their home in Sydney, Australia. The reason for this trip is not initially disclosed; we’re to discover more as their journey progresses. There is a tension between father and son: suspicion, awkwardness, and a lack of closeness. It’s clear this is going to be an uncomfortable journey.
The other three stories in this series have each been impactful, featuring as they do people who have either perpetrated or suffered betrayal and mental torture. You could also argue that some have been both giver and receiver, in this respect. Yes, the path through the pages of these tales has been a tough one, but I’ve also found it to be an exceedingly rewarding experience. So, how will this final chapter play out? Will it complete a loop, deliver some sort of conclusion, and even, perhaps, offer a note of hope?
As in the other tales, there are surprises along the way. Mysteries are created, revelations are dropped in, and - always - emotions are sorely exposed. Boyne’s characters feel real to life, their verbal exchanges being natural and believable. But always, with these stories, there’s an undercurrent of sadness and danger. Each of the four tales is brief enough to be consumed in one sitting, should you wish (I’ve done that at least once). In fact, they almost demand that you do, such is their power.
So, does this episode deliver a final, satisfying punch? Yes, it most certainly does. It ties together what has gone before, it tidies up loose ends, and it does, at last, provide something that offers a sense of redemption. It’s a powerful and addictive series - one that really must be read in order the books were published, and most definitely not to be missed!
The other three stories in this series have each been impactful, featuring as they do people who have either perpetrated or suffered betrayal and mental torture. You could also argue that some have been both giver and receiver, in this respect. Yes, the path through the pages of these tales has been a tough one, but I’ve also found it to be an exceedingly rewarding experience. So, how will this final chapter play out? Will it complete a loop, deliver some sort of conclusion, and even, perhaps, offer a note of hope?
As in the other tales, there are surprises along the way. Mysteries are created, revelations are dropped in, and - always - emotions are sorely exposed. Boyne’s characters feel real to life, their verbal exchanges being natural and believable. But always, with these stories, there’s an undercurrent of sadness and danger. Each of the four tales is brief enough to be consumed in one sitting, should you wish (I’ve done that at least once). In fact, they almost demand that you do, such is their power.
So, does this episode deliver a final, satisfying punch? Yes, it most certainly does. It ties together what has gone before, it tidies up loose ends, and it does, at last, provide something that offers a sense of redemption. It’s a powerful and addictive series - one that really must be read in order the books were published, and most definitely not to be missed!
November 21, 2025
Het plan moet langzaam zijn gerijpt.
Duizenden Post-its moeten eraan vooraf gegaan zijn.
Geen trilogie, maar een kwartet.
Vier boeken, één voor elk element.
Elk deel volkomen af, maar niet volledig afgerond.
Quattro stagioni, maar samen meer dan de som van de delen.
Want net als in veel van zijn andere meesterlijk gecomponeerde romans, slaagt Boyne er alweer - alwéér! - in om alle puzzelstukjes op het eind in elkaar te doen passen.
En wel op zo’n manier dat hij je opnieuw verrast.
Verwondert.
Vol bewondering achterlaat.
En ik wàs al fan.
Duizenden Post-its moeten eraan vooraf gegaan zijn.
Geen trilogie, maar een kwartet.
Vier boeken, één voor elk element.
Elk deel volkomen af, maar niet volledig afgerond.
Quattro stagioni, maar samen meer dan de som van de delen.
Want net als in veel van zijn andere meesterlijk gecomponeerde romans, slaagt Boyne er alweer - alwéér! - in om alle puzzelstukjes op het eind in elkaar te doen passen.
En wel op zo’n manier dat hij je opnieuw verrast.
Verwondert.
Vol bewondering achterlaat.
En ik wàs al fan.
May 5, 2025
If I could give 10 stars, then this book Air ( read in one sitting in a few hours) and the entire Elements series, would be rated 10. Some of the best writing I’ve ever read - often dark and sad but always provocative and I was so invested in all the flawed people - good and bad - who came through the series . This final book brings us literally full circle - so in my opinion it would be impossible to read and enjoy this one without having read the 3 others in the series - Water, Earth, Fire. Air brings characters from the prior series together and the clash of the shame and trauma from their previous lives is tenderly and beautifully drawn out again but with far more hope than could be deemed possible from the prior books. The writing is superb - clever, emotive, evocative. The final setting - back in the water - and the final few sentences are an excellent ending to an excellent series.
May 9, 2025
‘There are three people at the heart of the story, and they hurt each other at every turn. But they’ve all been hurt themselves in the past so, somehow, we forgive them. In the end, the reader just wants everyone to survive and be happy. And of course there’s the unreliable narrator, which is what everyone talks about.’
Structurally quite pleasing/ very easy to read, but everything else (particularly characters and their conversations) are rather lacking (to put simply). It’s alright, but probably not the one for me. Definitely not moved enough. I thought the protagonist was my least liked part of the book (to an almost unbearable degree? Or maybe I just don’t have the ‘patience’ for an excessively self-pitying, slightly self-obsessed sort of protagonist who constantly compares himself to the people around him (loaded with insecurities especially in relation to women, and not a likable character in general — I thought his ‘inner thoughts’ and him (or rather his opinions) being so grossly cocksure about other people sort of unbearable)), and I didn’t like the first-person narrative style (or is this influenced by how I feel about the protagonist?). Can’t help but want (the protagonist’s son) ‘Emmet’ to be the main one instead (undoubtedly my favourite out of all). Or perhaps selfishly I just craved for a more ‘comfortable’ read.
‘It’s narcissistic, but the thought flashes through my head that I’m a good man, with a good career. I’ve kept my body in decent shape, and I’m reasonably attractive. Some might say that I’m a catch. So why the fuck don’t I have someone, other than my son, to go home to?’
‘Perhaps I wanted to lock her down, so she wouldn’t leave me, and I wouldn’t be alone. A half-life was all I merited, I told myself. I didn’t deserve what came so easily to other men. Who, after all, would want to touch someone as soiled as me?’
‘“She doesn’t love me,” I said immediately, expressing something aloud that I had always known but never had the courage to admit aloud. “And I don’t think she ever has. I don’t think she knows what love is.”’
‘Emmet, however, is different. He’s not quite as carefree as I was at that age but perhaps the times don’t lend themselves to that. Other than swimming and surfing, he doesn’t care about sports. So far, he has shown—at least to me—no interest in girls. And until I saw those photos on his phone—there’s clearly something going on in his private universe that I don’t know about, but that I need to uncover. If I am to discuss it with him, I will have to choose my moment carefully.’
‘Not just for the act itself but because I wanted to behave as other men my age behaved. I wanted to feel normal. We drank some more, then went to another bar. Then to a club, where we danced. I think I surprised her by being quite good at it.’
‘Over the next hour she told me stories of her life while asking very little about mine, and I couldn’t decide whether this was a relief or rather narcissistic on her part—Talking to a random girl in a pub excited me. Flirting. Seeing where things might go. The manner in which, once in a while, one of us would reach over to touch the other’s hand to emphasize a point we were making, leaving it there for a little longer than necessary, skin touching skin.’
For some reason, the plot structure (and elements of it, excuse the unintended pun) reminds me of Jodi Picoult (except her writing almost always made me feel a ton and then some more), who I prefer more (even though I haven’t read her in a long while). Halfway through ‘Earth’ in the same quartet by John Boyne, but somehow I think Panenka by Ronan Hession is a better/ a more rewarding read (even though I haven’t finished that yet)? Not quite the same narrative/writing to be fair, but perhaps it’s just a matter of my own personal preference, etc (Boyne’s, I feel, are slightly too packed with clichés and stereotypical character types/tropes, made me cringe much, involuntarily). But if it’s any consolation this, I still think it’s a good idea to finish the whole ‘quartet’, The Elements. Would it be fair to compare Boyne to Julian Barnes? Perhaps not, but again — I do quite strongly and undoubtedly prefer the latter.
Torn between a 2 and a 3 but have rounded it down because I don’t know how to recommend this to anyone (and so, I probably wouldn’t — even though it’s not a terrible book, just (in my personal opinion) not ‘good’ enough to recommend). I don’t know how to go about it without ‘spoiling’ it, but let’s just ‘say’ — having watched ‘Adolescence’ (Netflix series) not too long ago, I think the way ‘violence’ and ‘trauma’ was used and portrayed in it was done all so brilliantly. I think Boyne’s writing — is perhaps just a common case of too much ‘telling’(?), and too little of anything else. Of course no writer would choose the subject matter for ‘shock value’ , but because of how poorly/weakly it’s ‘done’, it almost feels like so. In any case, many seem to have ‘enjoyed’ the writing/book anyway, so perhaps it’s just not the ‘one’ for me. It would not be fair to consider this ‘bad’ writing, but just hugely underwhelming. In any case, I do hope to like his other work a bit more.
‘It’s completely irresponsible of me, of course, but I see a hopeful look on my son’s face, so I nod and say yes. Maybe I’m getting him liquored up so that he might open up to me even more. It’s reckless, I suppose, but God knows there are worse things an adult can do to a boy his age.’
March 22, 2025
An absolutely wonderful conclusion to the Elements series. Thank you Penguin Random House UK for the ARC
July 16, 2025
5 stars
I read each of these four novellas separately from the book they ended up being published in - The Elements. Water, Earth, Fire and Air were publish individually - then complied togehter into the book The Elements. There were threads that wove their way through all four stories. But the last two paragraphs in the last story - Air -wove them together the best and even pulled in the complied book title "...and finally - at one with the elements."
This novella spoke about acceptance - acceptance in the face of past trauma. Accepting the truth of a failed marriage, the truth of a dissociated mother, and where blame actually lies. Although this story carries on the thread of abuse, it is the least confrontational. It has more of the healing aspect than the first three novellas.
Boyne can be read in any sequence. But I would suggest that in this case you read the four novellas as they were planned. The first three build in suspense, then the fourth relieves. Any story about sexual abuse can be off putting, but Boyne does a masterful job of bringing 4 different episodes to life while still keeping you captivated.
I read each of these four novellas separately from the book they ended up being published in - The Elements. Water, Earth, Fire and Air were publish individually - then complied togehter into the book The Elements. There were threads that wove their way through all four stories. But the last two paragraphs in the last story - Air -wove them together the best and even pulled in the complied book title "...and finally - at one with the elements."
This novella spoke about acceptance - acceptance in the face of past trauma. Accepting the truth of a failed marriage, the truth of a dissociated mother, and where blame actually lies. Although this story carries on the thread of abuse, it is the least confrontational. It has more of the healing aspect than the first three novellas.
Boyne can be read in any sequence. But I would suggest that in this case you read the four novellas as they were planned. The first three build in suspense, then the fourth relieves. Any story about sexual abuse can be off putting, but Boyne does a masterful job of bringing 4 different episodes to life while still keeping you captivated.
September 18, 2025
3.5 stars. Air was a thoughtful, almost gentle conclusion to The Elements series. It ties together all the plot threads from Water, Fire, and Earth into a cohesive whole. The story is a reminder that trauma can have far-reaching, long-term effects, but that healing is possible. While this novella didn’t pack quite the same punch as the others, I’m glad the series ended on a hopeful but realistic note. John Boyne will always be one of my favourite authors; he has a remarkable ability to create characters who feel realistic and believable, with lives and emotions that ring true.
The Story: Middle-aged Aaron Umber boards a long-haul flight with his teenage son, Emmet, hoping to mend a relationship strained by secrets and silence. As the journey unfolds, Aaron must confront the shadows of his past and the truths he has kept hidden, while fearing how deeply those legacies may shape his son’s future.
The Story: Middle-aged Aaron Umber boards a long-haul flight with his teenage son, Emmet, hoping to mend a relationship strained by secrets and silence. As the journey unfolds, Aaron must confront the shadows of his past and the truths he has kept hidden, while fearing how deeply those legacies may shape his son’s future.
September 1, 2025
Air is the fourth book in John Boyne’s Elements series, and is set some twenty years after Fire. On the day he turns forty, child psychologist Aaron Umber departs Sydney for Dublin, uninvited, with his fourteen-year-old son, Emmet reluctantly in tow. Aaron is his son’s primary carer, but his relationship with the teen isn’t as close as it once was, something he would dearly love to remedy. During their twenty-seven-hour trip, moods fluctuate and, at a certain point, the whole thing threatens to fall apart.
Their destination and the purpose of the trip has Aaron looking back over his failed marriage and the traumas that he and his ex, Rebecca, each suffered when they were young. The chat he strikes up with a female Sydney police detective has some disturbing undertones, and the explicit photos he has seen on Emmet’s phone are a concern he has yet to broach. The reaction to their arrival on the island (yes, that same island off Galway that features in Water and Earth) is an unknown quantity: has he done the right thing?
With Air, Boyne beautifully rounds off these four Elements tales, adding tidbits to the stories of secondary characters who appeared in the first three books. This one can stand alone, but mentions and references to many characters will mean a lot more to readers of the first three. The dialogue is often a delight, and sometimes blackly funny. The ending of this thought-provoking, moving story is positive and hopeful. Boyne at his best.
Their destination and the purpose of the trip has Aaron looking back over his failed marriage and the traumas that he and his ex, Rebecca, each suffered when they were young. The chat he strikes up with a female Sydney police detective has some disturbing undertones, and the explicit photos he has seen on Emmet’s phone are a concern he has yet to broach. The reaction to their arrival on the island (yes, that same island off Galway that features in Water and Earth) is an unknown quantity: has he done the right thing?
With Air, Boyne beautifully rounds off these four Elements tales, adding tidbits to the stories of secondary characters who appeared in the first three books. This one can stand alone, but mentions and references to many characters will mean a lot more to readers of the first three. The dialogue is often a delight, and sometimes blackly funny. The ending of this thought-provoking, moving story is positive and hopeful. Boyne at his best.
September 6, 2025
The final book of the four; it was brilliantly written and a pleasure to read ✍🏻✨
Emmet was my favorite character; I loved his wit 😄
Emmet was my favorite character; I loved his wit 😄
May 19, 2025
Another great addition to the Elements quartet which tied the threads of each story up quite nicely. Water was the most powerful and remains my favourite of the series, however I am grateful to have read all four.
A note on the audiobook. The Australian accent, which was prolific in this instalment, was absolutely dreadful and sounded like a mash up between a Kiwi and a South African accent. I do wish an Australian was cast as the narrator as this Australian found it quite grating.
A note on the audiobook. The Australian accent, which was prolific in this instalment, was absolutely dreadful and sounded like a mash up between a Kiwi and a South African accent. I do wish an Australian was cast as the narrator as this Australian found it quite grating.
June 14, 2025
Like the Bougainvillea vine; complete with its beauty, entanglements and super-sharp thorns.
Boyne has a fantastically readable style of telling a story; full of twists and turns, and in this, the final instalment, he weaves everything together in a satisfying and revealing ending. This one however, I feel, pales a little in comparison to the other three, but is still bloody good.
Boyne has a fantastically readable style of telling a story; full of twists and turns, and in this, the final instalment, he weaves everything together in a satisfying and revealing ending. This one however, I feel, pales a little in comparison to the other three, but is still bloody good.
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