Earth by John Boyne

A very topical novel about the trial of two footballers accused of sexual assault and their behaviour surrounding it, including vile messages within a chat group. While one of the young men  is at the court, he reflects on the events of his life that shaped him.

The title refers to the actual earth of one of the footballer's rural upbringing on a farm, how dirt is grounding and yet also soiling. Dreams, ambitions, secrets and truth are buried under the earth. He moves to London to fulfil his potential as a professional footballer and joins a world that he isn't sure is for him. A story about privilege, choices, accountability and shame, told in the first person and vividly displaying the cruelty of exploitation. It looks at how people sacrifice their own nature and ambitions to conform to things that are expected of them. At times a difficult read, uncompromising but beautifully written.

Tragic, intense and very real, a thoughtful book that reflects on our society today. Glad that it has a definite ending too. Recommended.

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Published by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers on 18 April 2024.
​Advance review copy supplied by the publishers.

Part of the Elements series : Water, Fire, Air

Capital Chronicles: London Through Time ​