This month we look at the work of John Boyne…

North Books’ alternative book club edges away from the usual convention of only inviting readers to discuss a single book (though this can happen from time to time) to opening up our evenings to a more general celebration of our shared love of storytelling and the people behind the words on the page.

Thoughts in the pot so far include asking readers to choose any work from a given writer to encourage a wider discussion of the author’s creativity and output. We are also interested in dedicated genre events as well as putting poets, journalists, songwriters and historians in the mix. Fiction, non-fiction and everything in between.

It’s a book club but it’s an evolving one. It will be one thing one month and something else the next time we meet – always, though, it will belong to the group and it will be shaped by you. The only common denominator will be words – and a conversation about them.

JOIN US

Participation is free if the book is purchased in advance from North Books at a 10% discount. Otherwise it is £5 on the night. To join the group, please email Jules on jules@northbooks.co.uk.

You are welcome to come along to the first session for free to see if it’s your cup of tea.

THE WORK

A selection of the John Boyne titles currently in stock.

On our third session of 2025, Wednesday 25 June, let's talk about the work of John Boyne.

Best known perhaps for his children’s book: The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas which catapulted him to fame in 2006, and went on to be made into a film of the same name (as well as a ballet and an opera), selling more than 11 million copies worldwide. It is used in schools on every continent to introduce young readers to their study of the Holocaust.

The Heart’s Invisible Furies, (2017) is many peoples’ favourite book - let alone their favourite book by him, and the current ‘elements’ series - Water, Earth, Fire, Air - are bringing him fresh audiences.

Undoubtedly one of the most successful and critically acclaimed novelists of his generation, in a career spanning more than 30 years, he has published 18 novels for adults, 6 novels for younger readers, a short story collection, and a picture book. His novels are published in 60 languages, making him the most globally translated Irish writer of all time.