Yeah, I can see what all the fuss is about.
The plots for both novellas, Water and Earth, are relatively simple but Boyne’s story-telling is compelling, and the twists are unpredictable but believable. I listened to both as audiobooks and my household had to put up with me glued to headphones for two days – I couldn’t put either ‘book’ down.
Water follows a woman who has arrived on a remote Irish island to escape particular events in Dublin.
It is imperative to find a woman to blame for a man’s crimes.
Earth charts the career of a talented young soccer player, whose fame has come at a cost. Both stories move back and forth in time, as the circumstances for each of the main characters are revealed.
Both stories deal with themes of power, justice and redemption (note that there is much debate around the inclusion of trigger warnings, and without wading into that debate, I think it should be noted that the stories include reference to sexual violence).
Both stories explore the double-edged sword of small, insular communities – they can offer protection and safety but equally, can exclude, leaving people feeling more alone than ever before.
Both stories also highlight the blurred line between being a victim and being complicit. This theme in particular demonstrates Boyne’s skill – too far either way and readers would make decisions about characters and their motivation but somehow, Boyne doesn’t let you rush into judgement.
Water and Earth can be read as stand-alone books, however, they are gently linked. Water is the first in Boyne’s ‘Elements’ series (Fire was released a few months ago and the final installment, Air, will be published early 2025).
Water (176pp) – 3/5
Earth (168pp) – 4/5
I am waiting for all four to come out and then I plan to read them. I love the ambition of this quartet.
I think it would be good to read them all together. I’m going to wait for the last one to be released and then read Fire and Air together.
Well, that’s one way to get four payments for one novel (I have the same problem with Maya Angelou – I resist paying 8 Audible credits for one memoir).
I find it really disconcerting to have family around me when I have an audiobook playing. I listen through my hearing aids, so they can’t tell I can’t hear them.
Must admit that my preferred listening mode is ‘au naturel’ – no headphones, played straight from my phone out loud 😀 Needless to say, my family don’t love that!
These two novellas sound really intriguing. Definitely will look for them. I am not familiar with Boyle at all, so it will hopefully be a new, interesting aquaintance.
If you were to pick just one of Boyne’s books, head straight to The Heart’s Invisible Furies – it’s beautiful.
I’ve got a huge to read list at the mo but should be able to squeeze these two in an afternoon seeing as there both quite short books.
Boyne is not an author I’ve come across before but will have a read and maybe leave a review or two.