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Fire

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Fire

By: John Boyne
Narrated by: Anna Friel
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

On the face of it, Freya lives a gilded existence, dancing solely to her own tune. She has all the trappings of wealth and privilege, a responsible job as a surgeon specialising in skin grafts, a beautiful flat in a sought-after development, and a flash car. But it wasn’t always like this. Hers is a life founded on darkness.

Did what happened to Freya as a child one fateful summer influence the adult she would become – or was she always destined to be that person? Was she born with cruelty in her heart or did something force it into being?

In Fire, John Boyne takes the reader on a chilling, uncomfortable but utterly compelling psychological journey to the epicentre of the human condition, asking the age-old question: nurture – or nature?

© John Boyne 2024 (P) Penguin Audio 2024

 Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Psychological Women's Fiction Emotionally Gripping Heartfelt Scary Thought-Provoking

Critic reviews

Boyne has found a neat framework for a series of original novels, linked as much by theme and image as by character and setting. Fire is an exhilarating read.
You will hurtle through the book, because it is such a compelling story, so cleverly written.
Hypnotically clean, clear prose... powerful and memorable
Incredibly well-written
All stars
Most relevant
another brilliant story by john boyne would recommend water,Earth,air,also brilliant books by a talented author

shocking

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I liked the reading. The story itself was far fetched. Thinking it would have more impact, and more cred if it was only a few boys. Don’t want to give too much away in case potential readers see it.

One hundred too many

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Terrible and terrifying narrative delivered in a sudden realistic manner which surprises and frightens the reader - addictive listening experience despite the trauma

The narrative twists and turns

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Wow! This series is full of surprises.
Very disturbing. Throws up so many questions.
What did she do next? Aargh!
I love how all the stories intersect, if only briefly. It’s genius! John Boyne is a tour de force, and I think my new favourite author.

Jeez! This is wickedly dark and thought provoking.

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A very uncomfortable listen. I don't think I relaxed from start to finish. Really thought provoking and miserable topic but excellent story telling.

An uncomfortable read. Excellent story telling.

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