Noah Barleywater Runs Away by John Boyne, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers - Interesting storyline, fascinating characters and stories revealed throughout. The twists and reveals are pretty fantastic yet somewhat upsetting. I think since this was an audiobook listen I will reread this book later in the summer to see the illustrations that accompany the text. Can’t wait! This is part of the Hong Kong Battle of the Books list for next year. Quite happy to continue reading my way through the end of the list. I’ve read this book TWICE. First time, I listened to it. Good audiobook but not quite for me. I very much preferred reading the book and digesting simultaneously the illustrations, created by Oliver Jeffers!, accompanying the text. This book has stories within stories embedded with stories all taking place on one day. Quite a magical story with a little boy who thinkings picking a few apples off a tree is not a terrible thing but learns quickly that his actions have consequences… And that’s just the beginning. But there are deep rooted, heart-wrenching emotions and situations within this book that will catch you up and upset you… I would partner this book with Oliver Jeffers’ picture book The Heart and the Bottle. Both have touching, beautiful themes.What a powerful, unexpected book. It certainly packs a punch. I enjoyed the deeper context, the thoughtful characters, the storytelling aspect, and especially the fairy tale connections. I do recommend this book for older children who won’t be upset by a death somewhere within the book.

It will change your life. Definitely.

A nice little novel.