A LADDER TO THE SKY BY JOHN BOYNE

PLOT SUMMARY:

Maurice Swift is handsome, charming, and hungry for success. The one thing he doesn't have is talent - but he's not about to let a detail like that stand in his way. After all, a would-be writer can find stories anywhere. They don't need to be his own.

Once Maurice has had a taste of literary fame, he knows he can stop at nothing in pursuit of that high. Maurice hones his talent for deceit and manipulation, preying on the talented and vulnerable in his cold-blooded climb to the top. But the higher he climbs, the further he has to fall...

MY REVIEW:

Sensational!

As a person who enjoys writing and who dreams of publishing a novel one day, this book really struck me. It clearly outlines that there are many different writers in the world and the 2 main ones being; those who can write but lack imagination to come up with the story/plot and those full of imagination and ideas but struggle to express them through writing. I have often wondered which one I am and as a result I connected so much with this book - I read it in 1 day!

This a book of love, unrequited love, deceit, betrayal and ambition. It's so beautifully written and the level of frustration and connection you feel with the characters is a testament to Boyne's talent as an author.

It's so different from the Heart's Invisible Furies and not at all what I was expecting but I loved it!

IN 3 WORDS/PHRASES:

Sensational

Compelling

Thought Provoking

FAVOURITE QUOTE:

'You see Maurice, you might not have been very good at coming up with ideas for your books but no one could ever have denied that you had a way with words.'

FAVOURITE CHARACTER:

Edith, that was my favourite narrative in the whole book. I would love to meet her in person. And of course, I won't lie, I would to know what Maurice would look like in real life - swoon!

OVERALL RATING:

A very solid 9/10