Stay Where You Are And Then Leave

This book is excellent, I was completely hooked from the first paragraph to the last. It is simple, but not easy, I was impressed yet again how well Boyne is able to convey so much [grief/sadness/loss/etc] about the reality of war using such beautiful language. The diverse characters help tell the many stories of people in war, yet it was seamless woven into a single story supporting Alfie's story. In spite of my overloaded bookcases, this is one for my own collection.

Charming. Some readers say this is a YA book; others consign it to a younger age group - but not too young, because of delicate sensibilities regarding the horrors of war; I say it's for YK (Young Kids), YA (Young Adults), and OA (Old Adults). As an OOA (Old, Old Adult), I found the book mesmerizing - a tender story with lots of positive human interactions (but also featuring some dark aspects of human relations), and a relatively positive ending. In fact, the novel could pass as an adult fairy tale. Lots of implausible coincidences, but in the long run important lessons to be learned about human behavior, with an ending that inspires hope for the future.Alfie - 5 in 1914; 9 in 1918; 13 in 1922 - is both extraordinarily naïve and unnaturally sophisticated, at all three of these ages. Both characteristics are developed in highly positive ways. He is a very nice guy, in everything he does. This is so refreshing, considering the bad behavior of many fictional protagonists. I kept wishing there were more children just like Alfie.While Alfie's story is the main thread running through the entire book, the author also gives major consideration to father-son relations (Georgie, his father, is well drawn), and to an aspect of war often neglected in World War I treatments, i.e., shell shock, or what we now call PTSD. So many books about WW I emphasize the horrific loss of life, on both sides, that dragged on for more than four years without any notable gain for either side. But Boyne highlights the equally tragic circumstance of those who managed to live through the carnage but were nevertheless permanently damaged psychologically.Boyne also gives attention to life in England during WW I, by describing both general conditions on the home front and the activities of individuals - both the good guys and the not-so-good guys. In a relatively short book, he convincingly covers an amazing range of topics and scenarios. Of course I'm an avid Boyne fan, and "Stay Where You Are and Then Leave" convinces me that I should read everything he writes, whether it's theoretically for the YA set, or for YK or OA readers. 4-1/2 stars.

I had read The Boy in Stripped Pajamas and enjoyed it a great deal. I did not know what to expect with this book but was drawn into the story as soon as I started to read. It provides a look into the first world war that is seldom provided to us...the perspective of a child. John Boyne has a wonderful ability to pull the reader into the story an make one feel that they are there. I have cried, more than once, reading his works!

An engaging and heartfelt story. I really enjoy this author and continue to be amazed by his writing style that is poignant, with a light touch at the same time.

My favourite author, not my favourite book by him but still worth the read.

I really liked Stay Where You Are and Then Leave by John Boyne. This book has the same feel as J Boyne's other book - The Boy In The Striped Pajamas. I liked the character development - especially Alfie. Alfie is a little boy you like and want life to turn out okay for him. I liked the neighborhood and J Boyne did an excellent job of revealing the neighbors. I especially liked Joe Patience. I don't know what age this is intended for, but it would be good for jr & high school students.I would recommend Stay Where You Are and Then Leave.

The name of the author is a guarantee. I think I read each of his books and never was decepted. Mr. Boyne is gifted with extraordinary sensibility, something you cannot learn but you are born with. This story is another example of it.

When I happen onto a great writer, and I'm reading one of his great books, it amazes me how anyone can write that well. But, I guess that's what sets John Boyne apart from lesser writers.