Title: Stay Where You Are and Then Leave
Author: John Boyne
First published September 26, 2013
247 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780857532930 (ISBN10: 0857532936)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
Amidst his busy life with a wife and children, Nicholas Sparks receives a brochure detailing an exotic tour around the world. With a new book due and a schedule to maintain, Nicholas is hesitant at first, but the idea of exploring new places with his brother Micah starts to grow on him.
In January 2003, the two embark on a three-week journey across the globe, visiting the lost city of Machu Picchu, Easter Island, Ayers Rock, and the vast Indian subcontinent. As they travel, they recall their childhood adventures and the tragedies that tested their faith, discovering truths about loss, love, and hope.
Through their journey, they remind us to cherish life’s joyful moments and the people who make them possible. Three Weeks With My Brother, narrated with humor and candor, is a heartwarming story of brotherly love, adventure, and self-discovery.
About the Author
I was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland before pursuing my passion for English Literature at Trinity College, Dublin and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. My dedication to literature led me to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from UEA in 2015.
I am an accomplished author, having published 13 novels for adults, a short story collection, and 6 novels for younger readers. One of my most well-known works, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas, reached the New York Times no.1 Bestseller list and was adapted into a feature film, play, ballet, and chamber opera, selling over 11 million copies worldwide.
Other popular books of mine include The Heart’s Invisible Furies, A Ladder to the Sky, and My Brother’s Name is Jessica.
On top of my literary achievements, I am also a regular book reviewer for The Irish Times. My contributions to the literary world have been recognized with awards such as the Hennessy Literary ‘Hall of Fame’ Award in 2012, 3 Irish Book Awards, and numerous international literary awards including the Que Leer Award for Novel of the Year in Spain and the Gustav Heinemann Peace Prize in Germany.
My novels have been translated into 58 different languages and have garnered a global following. I am proud to announce that my 14th adult novel, ALL THE BROKEN PLACES, a sequel and companion novel to THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS, will be released 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.
Editoral Review
John Boyne’s “Stay Where You Are and Then Leave” is a heartfelt and poignant novel that explores the impact of World War I on an ordinary British family. Boyne, a well-known author for his earlier work “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas,” demonstrates his skill in creating a powerful narrative that is equally engaging and inspiring.
The book was first published on September 26, 2013, bringing to mind the history and culture of the 20th century. The story follows the life of a young boy named Alfie Summerfield, who is forced to experience the brutal reality of war in his own way after his father is drafted into the British army to fight on the Western Front.
Alfie’s father, a decent man who initially refused to fight in the war, suddenly goes missing during one of the battles, causing Alfie’s life to turn upside down. Despite the trauma of war, Alfie never loses hope of being reunited with his beloved father, and his relentless pursuit of the truth leads him on a journey that will touch the hearts of readers.
Boyne does an excellent job of shedding light on the harsh reality of war, especially through the eyes of a young and innocent child. The book’s characterization is superb, with each character being distinct and fully fleshed out.
Alfie’s slow moral development in response to his difficult experiences is one of the book’s most endearing aspects. In addition, Boyne’s setting and atmosphere were vividly described, thereby effectively conveying to readers the sights, sounds, and emotions of the pre- and postwar period.
The book’s major theme is hope, which is an integral part of Alfie’s character. Despite the upheavals and difficulties he goes through, Alfie never loses hope in the goodness of humanity or in the eventual reunion with his father.
The book’s historical significance cannot be overlooked, as it offers a unique perspective on the era of war through a child’s eyes. It offers a glimpse at how the reality of war impacted people from different walks of life and how they managed to cope.
While the book is undoubtedly captivating, it is not without some criticisms. One of the issues is pacing, which felt uneven at times, with some sections of the book feeling rushed or too slow.
Additionally, some of the secondary characters felt underdeveloped, making it hard to relate to them or care about their stories. Overall, “Stay Where You Are and Then Leave” by John Boyne is a thought-provoking, emotional, and heart-warming tale.
It is a beautifully crafted story, full of memorable characters, well-drawn settings, and poignant moments that will linger long after you’ve finished it. I highly recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction, especially those interested in the history and culture of England and the world.
It would be a perfect choice for people wanting to understand the true impact of war on everyday individuals, and how hope can pull us through even the darkest of times. On a scale of 1-10, this book deserves an 8 for its excellent storytelling, characters, and themes.
