What do you think?
Rate this book
The Elements #2
Earth
From million-copy-bestselling author John Boyne, an inescapably gritty story about one young man whose direction in life takes a vastly different turn than what he expected.It’s the tabloid sensation of the two well-known footballers standing in the dock, charged with sexual assault, a series of vile text messages pointing towards their guilt. As the trial unfolds, Evan Keogh reflects on the events that have led him to this moment. Since leaving his island home, his life has been a lie on many levels. He’s a talented footballer who wanted to be an artist. A gay man in a sport that rejects diversity. A defendant whose knowledge of what took place on that fateful night threatens more than just his freedom or career. The jury will deliver a verdict but, before they do, Evan must judge for himself whether the man he has become is the man he wanted to be.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2024
About the author
John Boyne
62 books12.7k 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 541 reviews
April 21, 2024
Evan Keogh never wanted to be a professional footballer, he had no interest in the game, even though he had a great talent for it, no, he loved painting - abstract art was his passion, however, after showing his paintings to various galleries and being told he wasn’t good enough, he finally accepted the truth - art was not going to be a part of his future, but his God given talent for football was!
Right now though, he’s about to face trial alongside his teammate Robbie, on a charge of sexual assault, and we follow the trial and Evan’s life up to that point, as he reflects on events that led him to where he is now.
This is a powerful, sad, harrowing and emotional journey, with a headline that could have been ripped straight from the news headlines. Each character plays their role to perfection, flaws and all, which of course John Boyne excels at.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Right now though, he’s about to face trial alongside his teammate Robbie, on a charge of sexual assault, and we follow the trial and Evan’s life up to that point, as he reflects on events that led him to where he is now.
This is a powerful, sad, harrowing and emotional journey, with a headline that could have been ripped straight from the news headlines. Each character plays their role to perfection, flaws and all, which of course John Boyne excels at.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
August 14, 2024
5★
“ ‘Watch your tone,’ he says quietly, and my nostrils fill with the smell of the loam, as they always do when I’m frightened or when I remember what I did that made me run away in the first place.”
Evan Keogh is a famous footballer (the code played around the world, aka soccer), something his father desperately wanted to be himself and then tried just as desperately to make his son play.
Evan’s dream was to be a painter, not to be living on his controlling father’s farm on the tiny island of 400 people off the coast of Ireland in which he featured in the previous book in this quartet, Water. And even “the mainland”, Ireland, isn’t good enough. He took off to the real “mainland”, Britain.
He escaped to try his hand at supporting himself with his painting but realized that he is to art what his father is to football – mediocre, at best.
“The only thing that reappeared time and again in my work were images of soil, not the smooth, tilled land of the farm I was working on, but the rough, unploughed hills that led from the island port to my parents’ house. I was reared in the mud and the dirt, and it showed up repeatedly on my canvases, even when I didn’t want it to. But the earth is a part of me. The feel of it on my skin. The taste of it in my mouth.
It may be a part of him, but there was no way he was ready to go back. He’s gay, and deep in the closet on the island, so his only escape was mainland football after all.
“I couldn’t allow myself to return to the island. Not because I was afraid to admit failure but because I didn’t want to grow old with the eternal mud beneath my fingernails, dirt that would remain there stubbornly, no matter how hard I tried to wash it away.”
Now he’s a handsome, popular star who says his only trouble has been paying for his own drinks. Living the dream, right? But he’s in the middle of a rape trial, what could be called a typical football scandal, where his friend is accused, but he was a witness.
That’s what his father was ringing him about in the opening quotation. He always knows better, always offers advice. Evan is getting ready for court.
“I throw the phone on to the bed and take a long, hot shower, shaving carefully, then use the hairdryer to plump up my blond curls. I know how innocent they make me look, and I might as well take advantage of that. My face has a childlike aspect to it, making me appear younger than my twenty- two years. More innocent. If I wasn’t so well known in the city, I’d have trouble getting served in bars.”
Yes, he seems a bit stuck on himself, doesn’t he? Mostly, he’s trying to survive. He has a complicated relationship with soil, dirt, mud, earth, much as the main character in Water had with water.
The other recurring theme, if you like, is Father Ifechi Onkin, the Nigerian priest from the tiny island who befriended Willow (Vanessa) in Water. Neither she nor Evan are religious, but he tends his island flock anyway and turns up at Evan’s trial. Their conversation is revealing.
It seems hard to talk about Ireland without referring to religion. I think Boyne’s choice of a Nigerian priest is a great way to illustrate the changes that actually are taking place, in spite of the changes that refuse to take place. The priest says he, of course, will one day go back to Nigeria to be buried with his own people, just as Evan will one day. Evan insists he’s not going back.
But the book opens with Evan thinking about this very thing.
“I dreamed that I dreamed about the musty grey soil of the island and the sweet perfume it emits after rainfall, a double remove from a place I will never visit again. My mother explained to me once that the fragrance comes from a combination of chemicals and bacteria in the earth which form filaments when wet, sending spores of aromatic vapour into the air. We find the scent comforting, she told me, because we want to believe there’ll be a welcoming place for us one day, when we’re buried deep inside it.”
I never thought about it that way.
I’m now waiting for the third of the four novels in The Elements collection because the first two are so good. In Boyne’s stories, two plus two always amounts to so much more than a mere four parts. I am willing to bet that these four stories will be something special.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Transworld Publishers for a copy for review of #Earth.
Now we’re waiting for Fire and Air, John.
My review of Water
“ ‘Watch your tone,’ he says quietly, and my nostrils fill with the smell of the loam, as they always do when I’m frightened or when I remember what I did that made me run away in the first place.”
Evan Keogh is a famous footballer (the code played around the world, aka soccer), something his father desperately wanted to be himself and then tried just as desperately to make his son play.
Evan’s dream was to be a painter, not to be living on his controlling father’s farm on the tiny island of 400 people off the coast of Ireland in which he featured in the previous book in this quartet, Water. And even “the mainland”, Ireland, isn’t good enough. He took off to the real “mainland”, Britain.
He escaped to try his hand at supporting himself with his painting but realized that he is to art what his father is to football – mediocre, at best.
“The only thing that reappeared time and again in my work were images of soil, not the smooth, tilled land of the farm I was working on, but the rough, unploughed hills that led from the island port to my parents’ house. I was reared in the mud and the dirt, and it showed up repeatedly on my canvases, even when I didn’t want it to. But the earth is a part of me. The feel of it on my skin. The taste of it in my mouth.
It may be a part of him, but there was no way he was ready to go back. He’s gay, and deep in the closet on the island, so his only escape was mainland football after all.
“I couldn’t allow myself to return to the island. Not because I was afraid to admit failure but because I didn’t want to grow old with the eternal mud beneath my fingernails, dirt that would remain there stubbornly, no matter how hard I tried to wash it away.”
Now he’s a handsome, popular star who says his only trouble has been paying for his own drinks. Living the dream, right? But he’s in the middle of a rape trial, what could be called a typical football scandal, where his friend is accused, but he was a witness.
That’s what his father was ringing him about in the opening quotation. He always knows better, always offers advice. Evan is getting ready for court.
“I throw the phone on to the bed and take a long, hot shower, shaving carefully, then use the hairdryer to plump up my blond curls. I know how innocent they make me look, and I might as well take advantage of that. My face has a childlike aspect to it, making me appear younger than my twenty- two years. More innocent. If I wasn’t so well known in the city, I’d have trouble getting served in bars.”
Yes, he seems a bit stuck on himself, doesn’t he? Mostly, he’s trying to survive. He has a complicated relationship with soil, dirt, mud, earth, much as the main character in Water had with water.
The other recurring theme, if you like, is Father Ifechi Onkin, the Nigerian priest from the tiny island who befriended Willow (Vanessa) in Water. Neither she nor Evan are religious, but he tends his island flock anyway and turns up at Evan’s trial. Their conversation is revealing.
It seems hard to talk about Ireland without referring to religion. I think Boyne’s choice of a Nigerian priest is a great way to illustrate the changes that actually are taking place, in spite of the changes that refuse to take place. The priest says he, of course, will one day go back to Nigeria to be buried with his own people, just as Evan will one day. Evan insists he’s not going back.
But the book opens with Evan thinking about this very thing.
“I dreamed that I dreamed about the musty grey soil of the island and the sweet perfume it emits after rainfall, a double remove from a place I will never visit again. My mother explained to me once that the fragrance comes from a combination of chemicals and bacteria in the earth which form filaments when wet, sending spores of aromatic vapour into the air. We find the scent comforting, she told me, because we want to believe there’ll be a welcoming place for us one day, when we’re buried deep inside it.”
I never thought about it that way.
I’m now waiting for the third of the four novels in The Elements collection because the first two are so good. In Boyne’s stories, two plus two always amounts to so much more than a mere four parts. I am willing to bet that these four stories will be something special.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Transworld Publishers for a copy for review of #Earth.
Now we’re waiting for Fire and Air, John.
My review of Water
August 16, 2024
Evan Keogh always wanted to be a painter. He loved abstract art and thought he had something of a gift for it. His father wanted him to become a footballer, something he definitely had a gift for, yet this was something Evan had no interest in. We’d briefly met Evan in Boyne’s previous novella (in this set of four) Water, at the end of which he’d escaped the small island off the west coast of Ireland where he’d lived with his parents. His aim is to find a new life.
When we catch up with him here he’s a professional footballer, playing for a club in the second tier of English football. Evan is gay, which is a challenge in itself given football’s homophobic environment. Details of his sexuality are not widely known, even amongst his teammates. But at least one is aware - Rob, his closest friend at the club. So Evan is successful and has money, but is he happy? The answer is no; Evan simply see’s football as a way to build up sufficient savings to allow him to live the life he really wants. But now he’s in trouble: he’s due to appear in court along with Rob, accused of sexual assault.
So how did he end up in this place, and what does it all mean for his future? As the story of Evan’s life after leaving the island begins to be told, we learn how a collision of bad people, bad luck, and poor choices have led him here. There are unexpected linkages to be revealed, too, and in the end, Evan is left with decisions to be made that will determine how his life will play out from this point.
It’s another powerful story from a writer whose themes and whose characters often highlight the significant challenges life can throw up. Who is to be trusted, and what light will guide us through the maze set out in front of us? The choices we make will sometimes have little significance, and yet others are likely to define us. A moral compass is a useful ally, but it might yet lead us to places we've no desire to go.
My thanks to Random House UK for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
When we catch up with him here he’s a professional footballer, playing for a club in the second tier of English football. Evan is gay, which is a challenge in itself given football’s homophobic environment. Details of his sexuality are not widely known, even amongst his teammates. But at least one is aware - Rob, his closest friend at the club. So Evan is successful and has money, but is he happy? The answer is no; Evan simply see’s football as a way to build up sufficient savings to allow him to live the life he really wants. But now he’s in trouble: he’s due to appear in court along with Rob, accused of sexual assault.
So how did he end up in this place, and what does it all mean for his future? As the story of Evan’s life after leaving the island begins to be told, we learn how a collision of bad people, bad luck, and poor choices have led him here. There are unexpected linkages to be revealed, too, and in the end, Evan is left with decisions to be made that will determine how his life will play out from this point.
It’s another powerful story from a writer whose themes and whose characters often highlight the significant challenges life can throw up. Who is to be trusted, and what light will guide us through the maze set out in front of us? The choices we make will sometimes have little significance, and yet others are likely to define us. A moral compass is a useful ally, but it might yet lead us to places we've no desire to go.
My thanks to Random House UK for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 20, 2024
4.5
Another harrowing part of John Boyne's Elements series. This time he focuses on Evan Keogh, who left the island the same day as Willow/Vanessa (who was the protagonist in Water).
Evan left the island to escape his father, wanting to be an artist, but things do not go as planned. Finding himself jobless and without support for a second time after his arrival in England Evan decides to do the only thing he knows he excels at - football. He has his reasons for picking the Championship club he does but the main one is defender, Robbie.
We start the story with Evan heading to a court room to hear the verdict in a case involving the alleged rape of a girl by Robbie in which Evan has played a significant part.
I'm not going to tell you this is an easy read because it's not. It's no more harrowing than Water though. John Boyne does not pick easy subjects. I found Water (and subsequently Earth) much easier to read than Boyne's longer novels because the prose has to be condensed into the salient facts. That's not to say the say it is any less shocking or unpalatable but, as with Water, these things happen. We have seen a catalogue of famous people heading into court to defend current or past actions and it is always divisive and emotive. Boyne manages very cleverly to condense the emotion so it does not become overwhelming.
Whichever side you find yourself supporting I can tell you that Mr Boyne does not leave you hanging at the end. Although it's hard to like any character in this book you should find yourself having sympathy in some small measure.
I am looking forward to seeing where Mr Boyne takes us in Fire.
Another harrowing part of John Boyne's Elements series. This time he focuses on Evan Keogh, who left the island the same day as Willow/Vanessa (who was the protagonist in Water).
Evan left the island to escape his father, wanting to be an artist, but things do not go as planned. Finding himself jobless and without support for a second time after his arrival in England Evan decides to do the only thing he knows he excels at - football. He has his reasons for picking the Championship club he does but the main one is defender, Robbie.
We start the story with Evan heading to a court room to hear the verdict in a case involving the alleged rape of a girl by Robbie in which Evan has played a significant part.
I'm not going to tell you this is an easy read because it's not. It's no more harrowing than Water though. John Boyne does not pick easy subjects. I found Water (and subsequently Earth) much easier to read than Boyne's longer novels because the prose has to be condensed into the salient facts. That's not to say the say it is any less shocking or unpalatable but, as with Water, these things happen. We have seen a catalogue of famous people heading into court to defend current or past actions and it is always divisive and emotive. Boyne manages very cleverly to condense the emotion so it does not become overwhelming.
Whichever side you find yourself supporting I can tell you that Mr Boyne does not leave you hanging at the end. Although it's hard to like any character in this book you should find yourself having sympathy in some small measure.
I am looking forward to seeing where Mr Boyne takes us in Fire.
January 7, 2024
Earth is the second book in John Boyne’s Elements series. Evan Keogh never wanted to be a footballer: that was his father, Charlie’s dream. Now that he finally, reluctantly, is and, at twenty-two, obscenely rich into the bargain, an incident sees him getting the sort of publicity his club, and his father, would rather avoid.
He is before the court as an accessory to a rape by his teammate, Robbie Wolverton, son of a peer. There’s pressure for him to back up Robbie’s story, to avoid a conviction. As he watches their female barrister methodically tear the victim’s credibility to shreds, his thoughts return to his departure from the island, and what followed.
Evan’s dream is to be an artist, it’s what he left the island, and his father’s iron rule, to become. Evan has a talent for football, and Charlie can’t understand why he doesn’t want to make a career of it.
Nor would Charlie understand Evan’s sexual preferences, if he knew, or the heartbreak of rejection that sent him out alone in bad weather: suicide by fishing boat. Maggie Keogh helps her son escape. But an aspiring artist has to eat, to live, so when Rafe, obviously wealthy and influential, propositions him, he acquiesces, only to be repeatedly used by different men of power. When that ends, football is his last resort.
Much later, Evan reflects: “I became a different boy than the one I was supposed to be. I wanted to be a painter. I wanted to be good. I wanted to love someone, and to be loved in return. But none of these ambitions came to be. I think, sometimes, there are people who are destined never to have anyone fall in love with them. It doesn’t matter what they look like, how they behave, how much money they have, how much kindness exists in their heart. The love of another person is simply never going to be theirs. There’s some aspect of them, something inherent, something indefinable, that makes people turn away. And I think I’m one of those people.”
Boyne gives the reader some wonderful descriptive prose: “the two of them laughing uproariously over some private joke, displaying their great white teeth and their glorious, unassailable privilege.” His characters, their flaws and failings, will resonate with readers, and the ending of this short piece is perfect.
While Evan, and some of the minor characters in this story, including the island off Galway, appear in Water, this one can stand alone. And as with Water, Boyne tackles a sensitive and topical subject, and manages, in less than two hundred pages, to really pack a punch.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Random House UK Transworld.
He is before the court as an accessory to a rape by his teammate, Robbie Wolverton, son of a peer. There’s pressure for him to back up Robbie’s story, to avoid a conviction. As he watches their female barrister methodically tear the victim’s credibility to shreds, his thoughts return to his departure from the island, and what followed.
Evan’s dream is to be an artist, it’s what he left the island, and his father’s iron rule, to become. Evan has a talent for football, and Charlie can’t understand why he doesn’t want to make a career of it.
Nor would Charlie understand Evan’s sexual preferences, if he knew, or the heartbreak of rejection that sent him out alone in bad weather: suicide by fishing boat. Maggie Keogh helps her son escape. But an aspiring artist has to eat, to live, so when Rafe, obviously wealthy and influential, propositions him, he acquiesces, only to be repeatedly used by different men of power. When that ends, football is his last resort.
Much later, Evan reflects: “I became a different boy than the one I was supposed to be. I wanted to be a painter. I wanted to be good. I wanted to love someone, and to be loved in return. But none of these ambitions came to be. I think, sometimes, there are people who are destined never to have anyone fall in love with them. It doesn’t matter what they look like, how they behave, how much money they have, how much kindness exists in their heart. The love of another person is simply never going to be theirs. There’s some aspect of them, something inherent, something indefinable, that makes people turn away. And I think I’m one of those people.”
Boyne gives the reader some wonderful descriptive prose: “the two of them laughing uproariously over some private joke, displaying their great white teeth and their glorious, unassailable privilege.” His characters, their flaws and failings, will resonate with readers, and the ending of this short piece is perfect.
While Evan, and some of the minor characters in this story, including the island off Galway, appear in Water, this one can stand alone. And as with Water, Boyne tackles a sensitive and topical subject, and manages, in less than two hundred pages, to really pack a punch.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Random House UK Transworld.
January 12, 2024
The second book in the Elements series by John Boyne. I didn’t find it as impressive and mind blowing as Water, but it was still very good. Boyne writes in a way that you can’t stop reading. He tells just enough to keep you curious and drive you forward. Very well done again. I’m looking forward to Fire!
Thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for the advanced copy.
Thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for the advanced copy.
May 28, 2024
Earth is the second in a series of four loosely connected books. I adored the first book, Water, but for some reason I didn't have that same connection with this one, which is strange because normally I love all things John Boyne. It may be that the writing in Earth was harsher and the upsetting scenes more vividly described compared to his other novels, or it may be because I'm sick in bed with swine flu.
It definitely packed a punch though and the audio narration by Dane Whyte O’Hara was amazing.
The Story: After fleeing his remote island home, Evan Keogh has found success as a professional footballer, but he must now defend himself in court charged as an accessory to a friend's rape of a young woman.
It definitely packed a punch though and the audio narration by Dane Whyte O’Hara was amazing.
The Story: After fleeing his remote island home, Evan Keogh has found success as a professional footballer, but he must now defend himself in court charged as an accessory to a friend's rape of a young woman.
August 7, 2024
Water ★★★★
Earth ★★★★
"Earth" is the second installment in the Elemental series, following Evan, a character who was first introduced in "Water." In this book, Evan takes center stage as a prominent football star.
The writing reflects Boyne's signature style—blending humor with serious themes that mirror real life. This novella weaves together two storylines: Evan's journey from his challenging upbringing to his success as a football player, a sport he excels in but doesn't enjoy, all while grappling with his sexuality. The second storyline explores Evan and his friend facing accusations of rape.
The book tackles weighty issues such as homophobia, abuse, and rape. Given the breadth of topics, the novella feels densely packed, and I wondered if these themes might have been better suited to a full-length novel. Despite this, the story feels complete, though some aspects, like the significance of juror No. 6, remain unclear—possibly hinting at future developments.
Boyne continues to address difficult subjects with finesse, and despite the novella's brevity, it still includes significant plot twists. The characters are complex and elicit a range of emotions. Overall, the novella is engaging and leaves me eager for Boyne's next installment.
Earth ★★★★
"Earth" is the second installment in the Elemental series, following Evan, a character who was first introduced in "Water." In this book, Evan takes center stage as a prominent football star.
The writing reflects Boyne's signature style—blending humor with serious themes that mirror real life. This novella weaves together two storylines: Evan's journey from his challenging upbringing to his success as a football player, a sport he excels in but doesn't enjoy, all while grappling with his sexuality. The second storyline explores Evan and his friend facing accusations of rape.
The book tackles weighty issues such as homophobia, abuse, and rape. Given the breadth of topics, the novella feels densely packed, and I wondered if these themes might have been better suited to a full-length novel. Despite this, the story feels complete, though some aspects, like the significance of juror No. 6, remain unclear—possibly hinting at future developments.
Boyne continues to address difficult subjects with finesse, and despite the novella's brevity, it still includes significant plot twists. The characters are complex and elicit a range of emotions. Overall, the novella is engaging and leaves me eager for Boyne's next installment.
June 2, 2024
John Boyne is one of those excellent writers who can weave a captivating story while courageously exploring what it means to be a moral man. And god knows, in today’s times, an analysis of living with oneself after performing deeds inconsistent with the person we hoped we would be is sorely needed.
Evan Keough is a young gay man who yearns to be a painter. He has talent, but maybe not enough. So he takes the easy route, becoming a footballer—a skill that is natural to him. We know Evan has had a tough time of it, with an abusive father and the abusive, even dangerous, male prostitution that follows.
Being a sports hero is often the path to a life of ease and admiration. But rarely on, we learn that Evan and his fellow footballer, Robbie Wolverton – who he is attracted to – are on trial for the rape of a woman they met at a pub. The woman claims that Robbie raped her, and Evan taped the whole thing on his phone. Problem is, the phone is missing. And while we suspect she is telling the truth, we don’t know with certainty.
This spare novel raises important questions: how responsible are we for the choices we make in life? Are we at the mercy of moneyed people who always seem to catch the breaks and who not only define justice, but deliver it in ways beneficial to them? Does it pay to possess a moral compass if the game of life is rigged? What price do we pay if we obey that moral compass and regain our sense of self-respect but lose our freedom in the process? Most importantly, do we really have freedom if we don’t have authenticity? Another stunner from one of my favorite writers.
Evan Keough is a young gay man who yearns to be a painter. He has talent, but maybe not enough. So he takes the easy route, becoming a footballer—a skill that is natural to him. We know Evan has had a tough time of it, with an abusive father and the abusive, even dangerous, male prostitution that follows.
Being a sports hero is often the path to a life of ease and admiration. But rarely on, we learn that Evan and his fellow footballer, Robbie Wolverton – who he is attracted to – are on trial for the rape of a woman they met at a pub. The woman claims that Robbie raped her, and Evan taped the whole thing on his phone. Problem is, the phone is missing. And while we suspect she is telling the truth, we don’t know with certainty.
This spare novel raises important questions: how responsible are we for the choices we make in life? Are we at the mercy of moneyed people who always seem to catch the breaks and who not only define justice, but deliver it in ways beneficial to them? Does it pay to possess a moral compass if the game of life is rigged? What price do we pay if we obey that moral compass and regain our sense of self-respect but lose our freedom in the process? Most importantly, do we really have freedom if we don’t have authenticity? Another stunner from one of my favorite writers.
May 31, 2024
Wtff c’était parfait encore 😭😭😭 je veux Fire TOUTE SUITE je peux pas attendre novembre
May 3, 2024
I fully accept that I seem to be an outlier with my 2 star review, but I was just so disappointed by this book.
I absolutely loved Water, and eagerly anticipated the next installation, but thought everything that I admired about that book, the subtlety with which the author handled heavy content and wove in to the story so well, was completely missing from this one.
I found the improbability of the story detracted from what he was trying to say, from the highly unlikely journey from male prostitution and serious abuse to professional footballer, and semi ridiculous 'audition' in to the club, to the out of kilter dialogue and chance encounters. It felt like two different authors.
Having said that, I'll still look forward to Fire and hold out hope!
I absolutely loved Water, and eagerly anticipated the next installation, but thought everything that I admired about that book, the subtlety with which the author handled heavy content and wove in to the story so well, was completely missing from this one.
I found the improbability of the story detracted from what he was trying to say, from the highly unlikely journey from male prostitution and serious abuse to professional footballer, and semi ridiculous 'audition' in to the club, to the out of kilter dialogue and chance encounters. It felt like two different authors.
Having said that, I'll still look forward to Fire and hold out hope!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2024
Ik was bijna geneigd om 5 sterren te geven aan dit boek nog vóór ik er in begonnen was, maar dat is een beetje belachelijk en absurd en vooral niet correct, i knooooow.
Maar kijk, helemaal mooi uitgelezen en #sorrynotsorry, opnieuw vijf sterren van mij voor den John. “Aarde” vind ik nog meer waw dan “Water”, heel graag gelezen, het verhaal pakte mijn nekvel direct ferm vast.
Zeer benieuwd naar boek 3 in The Elements reeks.
Maar kijk, helemaal mooi uitgelezen en #sorrynotsorry, opnieuw vijf sterren van mij voor den John. “Aarde” vind ik nog meer waw dan “Water”, heel graag gelezen, het verhaal pakte mijn nekvel direct ferm vast.
Zeer benieuwd naar boek 3 in The Elements reeks.
July 6, 2024
I do not understand the rave reviews.
From the first chapter, I knew this wasn’t going to be a good book. The info dumping and clunky exposition were egregious and appeared to lack any care or attention.
The absence of subtly continued through the entire book. There was no nuance given to complex subject matter and any interesting discussions that could have been had around these topics were wholly ignored.
I get that our protagonist is not supposed to be a good person but did he have to be so damn unlikeable? And boring and one dimensional and repetitive?
In fact, most characters were terribly written. The main emotion they elicited from me was contempt, and I do not think this was intentional. The only character I felt fondly towards was Lauren Macintosh, the 19-year-old who was accusing our main character and his best friend of rape and conspiracy to rape.
I feel like I’m going mad reading through other reviews - in what world was this book ‘genius’? It was pretentious, implausible, poorly conceived and annoying.
I don’t recommend.
From the first chapter, I knew this wasn’t going to be a good book. The info dumping and clunky exposition were egregious and appeared to lack any care or attention.
The absence of subtly continued through the entire book. There was no nuance given to complex subject matter and any interesting discussions that could have been had around these topics were wholly ignored.
I get that our protagonist is not supposed to be a good person but did he have to be so damn unlikeable? And boring and one dimensional and repetitive?
In fact, most characters were terribly written. The main emotion they elicited from me was contempt, and I do not think this was intentional. The only character I felt fondly towards was Lauren Macintosh, the 19-year-old who was accusing our main character and his best friend of rape and conspiracy to rape.
I feel like I’m going mad reading through other reviews - in what world was this book ‘genius’? It was pretentious, implausible, poorly conceived and annoying.
I don’t recommend.
December 20, 2023
This is a story about a young man at odds with the world and the people who live in the small island he grew up on.
When he travels to London to look for work he makes some wrong decisions and ends up in serious trouble.
A sad story about friendships and insecurities.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
When he travels to London to look for work he makes some wrong decisions and ends up in serious trouble.
A sad story about friendships and insecurities.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2024
This is the second book in the author's 'Elements' series and continues the story of Evan Keogh, whose mother helped to escape from the restrictive island community off the Galway coast as featured in the first book, Water.
Evan wanted to become an artist. He was a talented footballer but had no interest in the game. However, circumstances forced him to take up the role that his domineering father had always dreamed of for him and now Evan is a rich professional footballer for an English Championship side. Evan has never denied that he is gay although he doesn't exactly boast about it. His desire for fellow team-mate Robbie has led him into a situation where he is a co-defendant in the trial of Robbie for the rape of a teenage girl at Robbie's apartment, an incident that Evan watched and filmed on his phone.....
The book is about the trial but also about the things that Evan did between leaving the island and becoming a professional footballer - which features some shocking revelations and links. Just like the first book, this one packs a much bigger punch than one could imagine from its length. Even though a short book, I really found that I could empathise with several of the characters, particularly Evan himself and their accuser, Lauren. Some of the other characters - Rafe, Evan's dad - not so much! But in this conflict between the characters lies all that is great about the book and I am really looking forward to the next 'element', which should be 'Fire'. I am a lover of John Boyne's writing and have no hesitation in awarding this one 5 stars - 10/10.
Evan wanted to become an artist. He was a talented footballer but had no interest in the game. However, circumstances forced him to take up the role that his domineering father had always dreamed of for him and now Evan is a rich professional footballer for an English Championship side. Evan has never denied that he is gay although he doesn't exactly boast about it. His desire for fellow team-mate Robbie has led him into a situation where he is a co-defendant in the trial of Robbie for the rape of a teenage girl at Robbie's apartment, an incident that Evan watched and filmed on his phone.....
The book is about the trial but also about the things that Evan did between leaving the island and becoming a professional footballer - which features some shocking revelations and links. Just like the first book, this one packs a much bigger punch than one could imagine from its length. Even though a short book, I really found that I could empathise with several of the characters, particularly Evan himself and their accuser, Lauren. Some of the other characters - Rafe, Evan's dad - not so much! But in this conflict between the characters lies all that is great about the book and I am really looking forward to the next 'element', which should be 'Fire'. I am a lover of John Boyne's writing and have no hesitation in awarding this one 5 stars - 10/10.
December 8, 2023
Earth is the second in John Boyne's Elements Quartet- following hot on the heels of the superb 'Water'.
This is the story of Evan - a young man striving to escape the world of his past and find his own freedom and identity ; but it's not that simple and the actions of one night and his presumed complicity in a sexual act leads to a downward spiralling of life.
Evan is a well-known professional footballer and gay and is accused of filming of the events of a sexual assault committed by a fellow player. The book is focussed around the court case and Evan's reflections back upon his past and the decisions he takes to move forward and survive..
This is a story about the need and desire to be loved and love and how the past can surprise/stifle/suffocate that instinct and feeling. The earth from which we come - our family - our roots- our home - builds that base and Evan's childhood and hidden sexuality has resulted in limited paternal loveland aggression and that natural instinct of being able to love is pushed deep within the earth.
Evan has a gift as a footballer but does not want to use it to the anger and chagrin of his father. When he' escapes' the island from where his family lives he wants to follow his dream to be an artist - but as the story proceeds his life takes a different and ultimately darker path.
The court case and details of Evan's life pull you in a multitude of directions- sympathy, empathy, moments of definite discomfort and a deepening feeling and sense of certainty that Evan is a victim of the life he has lived- but is he innocent of the crime that he is accused of?
John Boyne again challenges us as a reader to reflect upon the 'modern world' and lifestyle choices - the desire of many for fame, money , greed, control and their subsequent outcomes and the ever growing detachment felt by many that is disconnecting people from one another in so many ways. This is a book you will want to talk about and reflect upon- the denouement was certainly powerful-and no spoiler -again revealed how within the earth we can hide our darkest secrets.
This is a one seat read that will not allow you to breathe until the end
Highly recommended - a challenging and deeply thought provoking read
This is the story of Evan - a young man striving to escape the world of his past and find his own freedom and identity ; but it's not that simple and the actions of one night and his presumed complicity in a sexual act leads to a downward spiralling of life.
Evan is a well-known professional footballer and gay and is accused of filming of the events of a sexual assault committed by a fellow player. The book is focussed around the court case and Evan's reflections back upon his past and the decisions he takes to move forward and survive..
This is a story about the need and desire to be loved and love and how the past can surprise/stifle/suffocate that instinct and feeling. The earth from which we come - our family - our roots- our home - builds that base and Evan's childhood and hidden sexuality has resulted in limited paternal loveland aggression and that natural instinct of being able to love is pushed deep within the earth.
Evan has a gift as a footballer but does not want to use it to the anger and chagrin of his father. When he' escapes' the island from where his family lives he wants to follow his dream to be an artist - but as the story proceeds his life takes a different and ultimately darker path.
The court case and details of Evan's life pull you in a multitude of directions- sympathy, empathy, moments of definite discomfort and a deepening feeling and sense of certainty that Evan is a victim of the life he has lived- but is he innocent of the crime that he is accused of?
John Boyne again challenges us as a reader to reflect upon the 'modern world' and lifestyle choices - the desire of many for fame, money , greed, control and their subsequent outcomes and the ever growing detachment felt by many that is disconnecting people from one another in so many ways. This is a book you will want to talk about and reflect upon- the denouement was certainly powerful-and no spoiler -again revealed how within the earth we can hide our darkest secrets.
This is a one seat read that will not allow you to breathe until the end
Highly recommended - a challenging and deeply thought provoking read
June 25, 2024
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again … Irish writers have my heart!
I inhaled both these incredible novellas. Boyne has a way of dragging you in and not letting go till the last, beautiful word.
These are the first two books in the quartet Elements series, and at just under 200 words, both pack a powerful punch and are simply breathtakingly crafted.
Both touch on tragic and tough subjects - in only the way Boyne can, they are evident of superb storytelling! Rich in character development and setting, you can’t help but feel engrossed, almost in love with the main characters - they beg you for sympathy, understanding, and so much more.
Both these books deftly weave and incorporate politics, marginalised communities, abuse and religion with note-perfect writing. The fact that Boyne can say so much, in so little words is what holds power.
I’ve been lucky to have read so many outstanding books this year, and these two are most deserved of all the stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to @netgalley @avonbooksuk @doubledayukbooksfor an advanced digital copy of both. I (of course) had to buy myself physical copies of both these gorgeous books.
I inhaled both these incredible novellas. Boyne has a way of dragging you in and not letting go till the last, beautiful word.
These are the first two books in the quartet Elements series, and at just under 200 words, both pack a powerful punch and are simply breathtakingly crafted.
Both touch on tragic and tough subjects - in only the way Boyne can, they are evident of superb storytelling! Rich in character development and setting, you can’t help but feel engrossed, almost in love with the main characters - they beg you for sympathy, understanding, and so much more.
Both these books deftly weave and incorporate politics, marginalised communities, abuse and religion with note-perfect writing. The fact that Boyne can say so much, in so little words is what holds power.
I’ve been lucky to have read so many outstanding books this year, and these two are most deserved of all the stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to @netgalley @avonbooksuk @doubledayukbooksfor an advanced digital copy of both. I (of course) had to buy myself physical copies of both these gorgeous books.
August 4, 2024
No se habla de otra cosa en las noticias: Evan y Robbie, dos futbolistas profesionales serán juzgados por abuso a una mujer y por grabarlo en vídeo. Según nos vamos acercando al día del juicio y al veredicto, iremos conociendo la vida de Evan, sus sueños, las decisiones que tomó para abandonar su hogar y cómo se mantuvo a flote en una ciudad despiadada. Veremos también su perspectiva como hombre homosexual en un entorno en el que se defiende la diversidad aunque solo de puertas para afuera.
John Boyne ha vuelto a conseguir que no pudiese despegarme de las páginas de esta novela. Su manera de narrar, de mantener la tensión, la construcción de los personajes… todo nos ofrece coherencia, verdad, realismo y nos hace reflexionar. No sólo veremos el juicio a Evan y a su compañero de equipo, si no que el propio Evan se juzgará a si mismo y evaluará en qué hombre se ha convertido y si está satisfecho con la vida que lleva.
Un libro breve pero doloroso, afilado y muy realista. John Boyne demuestra de nuevo que es un excelente narrador y que sabe explorar los sentimientos de manera muy detallada y sin miedo a meterse en terreno pantanoso. No puedo más que recomendarlo. 4,5⭐️
John Boyne ha vuelto a conseguir que no pudiese despegarme de las páginas de esta novela. Su manera de narrar, de mantener la tensión, la construcción de los personajes… todo nos ofrece coherencia, verdad, realismo y nos hace reflexionar. No sólo veremos el juicio a Evan y a su compañero de equipo, si no que el propio Evan se juzgará a si mismo y evaluará en qué hombre se ha convertido y si está satisfecho con la vida que lleva.
Un libro breve pero doloroso, afilado y muy realista. John Boyne demuestra de nuevo que es un excelente narrador y que sabe explorar los sentimientos de manera muy detallada y sin miedo a meterse en terreno pantanoso. No puedo más que recomendarlo. 4,5⭐️
May 25, 2024
Can't wait for Fire 😌
Read
April 23, 2024Fascinerend en akelig, minder goed dan Water maar alsnog heel erg door gegrepen. Begin me wel af te vragen of het ramptoerisme van vrouwelijk pijn groter is dan het vraagstuk van schuld en verantwoordelijkheid. Maar ben benieuwd naar Fire.
July 30, 2024
John Boyne is such an extraordinary writer, I haven’t read a book by him that I didn’t love. He is a master at unfolding the story, twisting and turning unexpectedly and leaving me so engaged that it’s hard to put the book down.
Even when there were times I was in doubt whether to like Evan or not, I can still feel sorry for him. He only wanted someone to love him and when a childhood friend had treated him bad, something broke inside of him. With a father like the one he had it’s a miracle he turned out the way he did. Because deep down I know Evan was one of the good guys, he was just dealt a shitty hand and his lack of self worth took him places he might not have gone when he’d had a solid home, parents who listened and believed in him. Because in the end, that was all he really needed.
Even when there were times I was in doubt whether to like Evan or not, I can still feel sorry for him. He only wanted someone to love him and when a childhood friend had treated him bad, something broke inside of him. With a father like the one he had it’s a miracle he turned out the way he did. Because deep down I know Evan was one of the good guys, he was just dealt a shitty hand and his lack of self worth took him places he might not have gone when he’d had a solid home, parents who listened and believed in him. Because in the end, that was all he really needed.
December 8, 2023
Earth is the second book of Boyne's new series following on from Water however this is not a continuation of the previous story. Instead Boyne the same theme runs through these novels, sexual offending, social media, society, shame.
In Earth, we follow the story of two young footballers as they stand trial for rape and accessory to rape. The protagonist, Evan, is the one of trial for accessory to rape as he stands accused of filming his teammate's crime.
We are told the story through alternating chapters of the trial but also Evan's life growing up and trying to escape his childhood.
As you can imagine, the book is brutal in parts, the courtroom scenes horrific as is the life of Evan as a young man. The themes of privilege of young men, misogynistic culture, social media are all played out as we find the outcome and consequences of the jury's verdict.
Like Water, this is a short novel but it packs a punch that very few authors out there could do in twice as long a book. I genuinely don't know how Boyne does it time after time but he is my all time favourite author. I would read anything he writes.
Massive thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Doubleday for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
In Earth, we follow the story of two young footballers as they stand trial for rape and accessory to rape. The protagonist, Evan, is the one of trial for accessory to rape as he stands accused of filming his teammate's crime.
We are told the story through alternating chapters of the trial but also Evan's life growing up and trying to escape his childhood.
As you can imagine, the book is brutal in parts, the courtroom scenes horrific as is the life of Evan as a young man. The themes of privilege of young men, misogynistic culture, social media are all played out as we find the outcome and consequences of the jury's verdict.
Like Water, this is a short novel but it packs a punch that very few authors out there could do in twice as long a book. I genuinely don't know how Boyne does it time after time but he is my all time favourite author. I would read anything he writes.
Massive thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Doubleday for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
December 17, 2023
Earth is the second part in Boyne's Elements sequence, and it's even better than the first instalment, Water.
I was offered an ARC for this, and immediately snapped it up without knowing anything about the subject matter. When I realised it concerned footballers being tried for rape, my heart sank a bit, as that probably wasn't that pre-Christmas, light content I'd been after!
However, after only a few pages I was hooked by the story of Evan, a young Irishman who has made a successful career as a footballer, following a rather circuitous route there.
Boyne's style, as ever, is very readable. even when some of the content is harrowing. The courtroom sections are particularly powerful, as the victim is subjected to a horrific character assassination.
The greatest achievement here though, is the character of Evan, who also featured very briefly in the Water novel. Throughout the book he leaps off the page as a flawed, messed up, but very real human being.
I'm looking forward to part three of this sequence - Fire. Hopefully it can live up to the high standards set by Water and Earth.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was offered an ARC for this, and immediately snapped it up without knowing anything about the subject matter. When I realised it concerned footballers being tried for rape, my heart sank a bit, as that probably wasn't that pre-Christmas, light content I'd been after!
However, after only a few pages I was hooked by the story of Evan, a young Irishman who has made a successful career as a footballer, following a rather circuitous route there.
Boyne's style, as ever, is very readable. even when some of the content is harrowing. The courtroom sections are particularly powerful, as the victim is subjected to a horrific character assassination.
The greatest achievement here though, is the character of Evan, who also featured very briefly in the Water novel. Throughout the book he leaps off the page as a flawed, messed up, but very real human being.
I'm looking forward to part three of this sequence - Fire. Hopefully it can live up to the high standards set by Water and Earth.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
April 26, 2024John Boyne is working his way through a 4 novel quartet of the elements. Water was first, and now we have Earth. This *can* be read as a standalone, but Water was great, and gives you some important knowledge about our main character, Evan Keogh, so I strongly suggest reading that first. We pick up with Evan as he is enmeshed in a trial where Evan and his football teammate are charged with SA. Evan has found himself in so many situations he (and we) never saw for him and as we await the verdict we also go back in time to find out how he (and we) got here.
Like some of my favorites of Boyne’s work this was, at times, absolutely outrageous. At other times it was agonizing to read... please take care if you decide to pick this up. True to Boyne’s style, I felt probably every single emotion while reading Earth and its only 166 pages. And I absolutely devoured them. You will get a conclusion here, but you will also be like 👀.
So what did I think? I heard John Boyne’s writing described in an Irish newspaper as like a campaign or series of campaigns, and I absolutely felt like he was campaigning for something here, but I’m not entirely sure what. A goodreads reviewer wrote that this was a “weird way to come out as a massive misogynist” and while I don’t agree with that, I do think that has something to do with what is holding me back from fully loving this book. I have a LOT of thinking to still do on all of my thoughts on Earth, but I could not put it down.
Like some of my favorites of Boyne’s work this was, at times, absolutely outrageous. At other times it was agonizing to read... please take care if you decide to pick this up. True to Boyne’s style, I felt probably every single emotion while reading Earth and its only 166 pages. And I absolutely devoured them. You will get a conclusion here, but you will also be like 👀.
So what did I think? I heard John Boyne’s writing described in an Irish newspaper as like a campaign or series of campaigns, and I absolutely felt like he was campaigning for something here, but I’m not entirely sure what. A goodreads reviewer wrote that this was a “weird way to come out as a massive misogynist” and while I don’t agree with that, I do think that has something to do with what is holding me back from fully loving this book. I have a LOT of thinking to still do on all of my thoughts on Earth, but I could not put it down.
April 19, 2024
Wow. Think I need to sit with this one for a few days to fully process. I read it in one sitting on a flight and have so many thoughts but none of the words. A truly gut wrenching, dreadful, sickening story with heavy content and themes not for the faint hearted when it comes to sexual violence and assault. Incredibly important nonetheless, and excellently written by Boyne, as per. It explores the ugly other side of the these sorts of cases - the abusers, and why they are the way that they are, and how they get away with what they get away with. Boyne is poised in his writing, purposely ironic in undertone and once again leaves you feeling deeply about what you just read for long after you read it.
August 12, 2024
Echt weer zo goed, wat een opbouw. Nu al zo benieuwd naar Fire, aftellen tot november…
February 3, 2024
I thank the publisher and NetGalley for an advance review copy of this book. I understand it is part of the Elements series. I really enjoy John Boyne's writing and this book was no exception in that respect. The book explores a very real problem but I only gave it three stars because it is built on a fundamental flaw in the plot. The "hero" would never have got a professional football contract with a Championship club in the way described. I also doubt tht he would have survived the life he led before seeking that contract without serious damage. But very readable, despite the plot flaws.
April 22, 2024
An absolute 5 star read from John Boyne. Unputdownable - I read it in one sitting. Second in a loosely connected series, which started with another 5 star read "Water", I'm already looking forward to the next offering, "Fire". Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
May 19, 2024
I am really enjoying John Boyne's Elements series. Brilliantly crafted characters and thought provoking themes. Earth examines agency, belonging and ownership. Set in the world of professional football this has a lot to say about abuse and entitlement within this world. But it was also reflecting on homosexuality, trust, identity and finding your place in a world where people expect something different from who you are. Finally, there are deeper themes reflecting colonialism and the relationship between Ireland and England. These are intelligent, compelling brilliantly crafted books and I look forward to the Fire edition.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
July 7, 2024
“Earth” is the second installment in Boyne's ‘elements’ quartet and it follows the story of Evan, a minor character from the first installment, “Water”. Earth is a five-star read. It is incredibly well constructed and contains twists, surprises and intrigue. It continues with a theme of abuse, this time addressing outcomes, concerning conviction and accountability. It is also a story of power, privilege and manipulation wherein Evan himself can be seen as both a victim and a perpetrator.
Boyne takes a tale of abuse (akin to those reported in the media) and he constructs the world, past and present, around that tale, giving extensive context and explanation as to how such dark events can occur. It illustrates the complexity of abuse and the resounding impact across time and relationships.
As a sidebar, it is perhaps concerning just how well Boyne scripts the darkest of characters; this story contains at least five repulsive males!
Boyne takes a tale of abuse (akin to those reported in the media) and he constructs the world, past and present, around that tale, giving extensive context and explanation as to how such dark events can occur. It illustrates the complexity of abuse and the resounding impact across time and relationships.
As a sidebar, it is perhaps concerning just how well Boyne scripts the darkest of characters; this story contains at least five repulsive males!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 541 reviews