The Elements

A Novel

De: John Boyne

Narrado por: Anna Friel, Colin Morgan, Dane Whyte O’Hara, Niamh Cusack

From bestselling author John Boyne, a gripping and profound exploration of guilt, blame, trauma, and the human capacity for redemption. This program features multicast narration.

In The Elements, acclaimed Irish novelist John Boyne has created an epic saga that weaves together four interconnected narratives, each representing a different perspective on crime: the enabler, the accomplice, the perpetrator, and the victim.

The narrative follows a mother on the run from her past, a young soccer star facing a trial, a successful surgeon grappling with childhood trauma, and a father on a transformative journey with his son. Each is somehow connected to the next, and as the story unfolds, their lives intersect in unimaginable ways.

Boyne’s most ambitious work yet, The Elements is both an engrossing drama and a moving investigation of why and how we allow crime to occur. With masterful, spellbinding prose, he navigates this complex subject with extraordinary empathy and unflinching honesty. The story resonates on a deeply emotional level, challenging readers to confront their own conceptions of guilt and innocence at every step. Amid the wildly engrossing storytelling, the book ultimately asks: What would you do when faced with the unthinkable?

"[Niamh Cusack] capture[s] the heartbreak, fury and underlying defensiveness of a woman whose life has been upended by the actions of a man" —The Guardian on Water

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company

kept me on the edge of my seat!

Best book in a very long time, much enjoyed , wish i could read it again as a new book, all new to me again. will definitely suggest to others. im from Ireland, so much appreciated the island description also.

Captivating

The story was powerful and the narration fantastic! It was captivating. I could not put the book down.

How the elements of the Earth are in fact, the same elements in our lives who make us who we are.

So much of the story it was very disturbing. But I couldn’t put it down. I listened to the Audible, and the narrator was perfect. It was so interesting. The way all of the lives became intertwined. The ending was amazing. I do believe that anyone who reads or listens to this book to this story will in fact think about it for a long long time. It just affects you that way.

Story line

I listened to this book and the readers were wonderful. I loved how the stories were connected. It was so interesting

Deep and Reflective

Loved the characters, their journeys, and fateful decisions. Powerful, thoughtful, and engaging! I appreciated the complexity, adversity, and depth of each character.

Brutal

Very interesting but in many parts, very difficult to listen to. Wonderful performance and story was brought together very interesting ways. I would recommend but would caution anyone who is sensitive to assault dialogue and story.

Beautiful story about difficult topics

I’ve read many of Boyne’s books, and I believe this is his best. Narration is perfect.

Boyne’s unique style!

Great stories written by a favorite author—strong characters interesting and concerning situations, makes the reader care

Must read/listen

I was already a fan of John Boyne, but after this novel, he’s my favorite male author.
He’s written a beautiful, compelling, deeply poignant and remarkable book that will stay with me for a very long time. Although sad in many aspects, I highly recommend it.

Beautifully written

Excellent book, highly recommend . Wonderful narrators, beautifully told story . Will definitely listen to more of his books now.