I was really moved and charmed once again by Boyne’s ability to so fully capture the naiveté and heartbreak of childhood, first with The boy in the striped pyjamas (2006) and now his new book Noah Barleywater runs away. This moving story is brimming with wonderful ideas and silliness, but infused with such truths which I’m sorry to say left me with tears in my eyes yet again!
Eight year-old Noah Barleywater is an extremely vulnerable and bright young boy who runs away from his home and his problems, deciding to go out to "make his own way in the world", to do something meaningful with his life, achieve something impressive.
Before long, Noah has encountered a magic oak tree, a hungry donkey and my favourite, a helpful talking sausage dog. Most amazing of all however, is Noah’s discovery of a toyshop and it is here that Noah is greeted by an old toymaker every bit as mysterious and magical as the toyshop itself. The magic realism of the world he enters is spellbinding, but Noah is also a character bidding farewell to part of his childhood.
Don't let what appears superficially to be just another juvenile adventure book;
it is in fact, the most beautiful and deeply touching fairy tale. While its story can be appreciated as a fairytale by younger audiences, its profound depth and rare sensitivity with which Noah’s story is told as well as its deeply moving conclusion has infinite value for older readers.
While I did find myself moved to tears while reading (have your tissues ready!), it's not by any means a bleak tale. It's honest and hopeful. It's about real life. I highly recommend it to everyone, whether you're old, young or just an 8-year-old boy looking for an adventure.
Tara.
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