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A Ladder to the Sky

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A Ladder to the Sky

By: John Boyne
Narrated by: Richard E. Grant, Laurence Kennedy, Richard Cordery, Nina Sosanya
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About this listen

Random House presents the audiobook edition of A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne, read by Richard E. Grant, Richard Cordery, Nina Sosanya and Laurence Kennedy.

A psychological drama of cat and mouse, A Ladder to the Sky shows how easy it is to achieve the world if you are prepared to sacrifice your soul.

If you look hard enough, you can find stories pretty much anywhere. They don’t even have to be your own. Or so would-be writer Maurice Swift decides very early on in his career.

A chance encounter in a Berlin hotel with celebrated novelist Erich Ackermann gives him an opportunity to ingratiate himself with someone more powerful than him. For Erich is lonely, and he has a story to tell. Whether or not he should do so is another matter entirely.

Once Maurice has made his name, he sets off in pursuit of other people’s stories. He doesn’t care where he finds them – or to whom they belong – as long as they help him rise to the top.

Stories will make him famous but they will also make him beg, borrow and steal. They may even make him do worse.

©2018 John Boyne (P)2018 Random House Audiobooks Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction

Critic Reviews

"A deliciously dark tale of ambition, seduction and literary theft . . . compelling and terrifying, powerful and intensely unsettling. In Maurice Swift, Boyne has given us an unforgettable protagonist, dangerous and irresistible in equal measure. The result is an ingeniously conceived novel that confirms Boyne as one of the most assured writers of his generation." (Hannah Beckerman)

"Everything the wonderful Irish novelist John Boyne writes is special...a highly entertaining read" (Jake Kerridge)
All stars
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This author never disappoints & this is another fine story (& performance- loved hearing Richard E Grant).
Related in 4 sections by 4 narrators, this is a terrifically engaging story set in the literary world. Five stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Terrific

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Loved the narration and the story. An amazing novel.
Absolutely recommend! So yourself a favour and download this

Outstanding.. my favourite Joh Boyne novel yet

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John Boyne never ceases to amaze, delight, surprise. Masterful storytelling. Exceptional narration. This is glorious.

Extraordinary. A masterpiece.

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9/10 - I loved this book; it's cemented John Boyne as one of my favourite all time authors. Clever and witty and ever so scandalous. Heartily recommend!

Clever, witty and scandalous

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A flawed but memorable main character. Will definitely be reading many more of his books.

Loved it. Keen to read more by John Boyne.

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Another treasure from John Boyne. Fabulous narration which brought already 3D characters to life. I can't recommend Boyne's writing highly enough. About to purchase another!

Again!

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One of the best books I have read. John Boyne is a master story teller and his characters very engaging.

Exceptional

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Beautifully written as only Boyne can do, this story contains a plethora of human conditions all contained within the protagonist. The man is a complete narcissist till the very end. Wonderfully narrated. A great listen.

An extraordinary story

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I did enjoy this intriguing book. I felt the stories dark side of ambition and the rise of psychopathic insanity that the main character evolved into or was he just born evil. All too familiar in our modern society with no moral compass.

Intriguing story

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Such a challenging listen, simply great writing about a very conflicted subject. Loved the emotional ride.

Another John Boyne masterpiece

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