𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 | 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐧𝐞
★★★★☆

𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
Evan Keogh is on trial for being an accessory to rape, whilst his fellow footballer, Robert, stands accused of rape. How far will Evan go to save himself and his best friend?

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟
⟡ literary novella
⟡ trauma heavy
⟡ morally corrupt characters

𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝
This is the second book in Boyne’s Elements quartet and it was just as emotionally heavy as the first, possibly even more so. For such short reads, they pack a large punch. Typically to the gut.

Honestly this was all kinds of fucked up. The characters are entirely morally corrupt, from the defendants to the lawyers, to the parents. Their choices, actions, and interactions are so emotionally provocative, the circumstances are so harrowing and told in such a bold way, that it makes me ashamed to be human.

Actually, I did like the character of Lauren. Particularly when she’s being cross examined. I liked how Boyne demonstrated that because she was not a total angel, she was completely destroyed for it. It was traumatic but also served as a subtle demonstration of just how messed up our judicial system is.

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝
With lit fic, I always want to take something away from it, and though I had strong emotional reactions to the story, I’m not sure what I could take away from it, other than a lingering feeling of disgust for the characters, mistrust for lawyers, and awe for the storytelling.

𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬
“𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴. 𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳.”

“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘴 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵.”

“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘴, 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵.”

𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬
Honestly the only similar book that springs to mind is the first in this quartet, Water.

High profile footballer Evan and his teammate Robbie have been accused of sexual assault. As their trial gets underway, we go back and forth in time, tracing our narrator Evan’s backstory, from his lonely childhood on an unnamed island of 400 inhabitants off Ireland’s west coast, to the twisted turn his life took once he left it, and the journey that brought him to be a top footballer, a sport he despises and a career he took in place of his thwarted dream of being a painter. Earth is the second in a four part series by Boyne based on the four elements, and we see traces of Water (the first in the series) coming into play here. Evan came from that same island that Vanessa fled to and some of the characters reappear as well. I love the concept of this series but, while Water is not without its dark themes, the dark themes are much more to the fore of the story in Earth. This book is not an easy read, brimming with trauma, misogyny, violence, degradation, toxic masculinity, sexuality, homophobia, prejudice and sexism, the darker side of power and privilege, and the face we put to the world, versus who we really are. As the jury prepares to deliver their judgement, Evan must finally look at who he really is and what he has become. Boyne’s writing once again is powerful, delving into uncomfortable themes without holding back. None of the characters are particularly likeable, although we feel for Evan through his childhood blighted and shaped by an oppressive, even abusive, father; forcing a future on his son that he could never grasp himself, and in a way contributing to his son’s downfall. An intense, dark read with a powerful ending. I’m already looking forward to part three of the series.

John Boyne’s literary prowse absolutely blows me away. It’s an absolute treat to dive into the pages and totally loose yourself. This book was equally as brilliant as the first in this series ‘Water’ and I cannot wait for the next one. This is writing at its best.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review,

John Boyne is an exceptional writer!
He brings out raw emotion in me just using his words.
Earth is a story of a man who has had a disturbing upbringing, thanks to his father, but he still manages to find his way in the world even if he does things that he doesn’t enjoy.
The ending was not what I expected, at all.
I throughly recommend you read this book.

Having met Evan Keogh in the blindingly good “Water” – the previous instalment of this four-part series – I had hopes of finding him happier and better off than he had been prior to his escape from the island off the west coast of Ireland, where he was bullied by his father who wanted him to become a professional footballer. However, that is not exactly what this novella had in store for us (or Evan).

We follow Evan as he finds ways to survive alone in a new country having left Ireland, and in turn see the events that lead him to become a professional footballer. Hating football makes his choice of profession difficult, as does the threatening sense of homophobia that hangs over the sport. Most threatening of all, however, is the looming court case that will see Evan and his best friend – and fellow professional footballer – Robbie tried for sexual assault.

As always with this incredible author, a huge amount can be said in relatively few words, and always in beautiful prose. This tale packs such an emotional punch, and tackles incredibly difficult subject matter with an impressive amount of honesty and balance. It isn’t an easy read, but it is an incredibly poignant one.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.

Thank you so much for sharing this early, I absolutely adore every single word that John Boyne writes. He always always gives me such a strong. Feeling of belonging, both to the joys hard won and the sadnesses of living and what came before us. Thanks always

I always love Boyne’s novels and this one is no exception. It takes a great and important premise and adds Boyne’s characteristic pace, wit and intelligence. I thought it was a brilliant read.

I am a BIG fan of John Boyne and this book was just incredible, I loved the way he incorporated Earth and I could smell and feel it as I was reading! A shorter story which I read in one sitting as couldn’t put it down! Very excited to read Air and Water

An absolute 5 star read from John Boyne. Unputdownable - I read it in one sitting. Second in a loosely connected series, which started with another 5 star read "Water", I'm already looking forward to the next offering, "Fire". Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

Published 18 April 2024. The second novella in the Elements series and although Evan, who was fleetingly in 'Water' is the main character in this book, it is - in my opinion - a standalone. You don't need to have read 'Water'. Evan is a well known professional footballer and he is on trial with a fellow team-mate - Robbie - as he allegedly filmed Robbie raping a 19 year old girl. The book is about the court case but it is also about Evan looking back on his life and the decisions that he has made that have brought him to this point. The earth is a theme that runs through this, the smell, the feel of the earth is something that connects Evan to the island that he was born on but the island that he had to escape from. The earth is where he buries his dreams and his sexuality and in some ways - his ability to find love - something that was never forthcoming in his childhood. And in the earth is where secrets lie hidden. Evan escapes to London with the dream of being an artist - something his father mocked him for. His father wanted him to be a footballer, to live the dream that he had failed to achieve. His father had seen that Evan had skills and so pushed and pushed until Evan ran away. But in London Evan's life take a much darker turn. Throughout the court case you never know whether Evan is guilty as charged or not. John Boyne in his novels tackles major topics and this is no different. It may only be 176 pages, but it touches upon homosexuality and rape. It puts the spotlight upon fame and toxic masculinity that can sometimes be found in the rich and successful - after all the newspapers are always full of stories about young footballers who have taken advantage of their fame. I did feel some sympathy for Evan on his journey and the ending moved me. A book that can be read in one setting and which does not let you go. Rounded up to a five star

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book with no obligation to review.

I enjoyed "Water" the first book of this quartet and I enjoyed this one too. Evan is mentioned in Water and in fact he leaves/escapes the island on the same day as Willow .

It is a short book but a great read and raises many points to ponder about toxic masculinity, conscience, abusive families, modern sexual mores and of course, the double standards by which sexually active women are judged by society. i think the reader feels some sympathy for Evan and his mother but the other characters are far from likeable and I do wonder who the horrible "Sir" is based on, actually I dread to think.

The book is taut and swiftly paced, the characters are well drawn and their interactions seem genuine. I look forward to "Fire".

This book is in the same series as the previous book Earth with some of the same characters and with links to the small Irish Island but it is a stand alone story, I read this story in one sitting, and it really is quite a story. It focus primarily on Evan and his life immediately after leaving the Island. Whatever you feel about Evan you won’t be left unmoved as you experience his feelings of self loathing and grief for who he wants to be. This book might be quite short but it is really quite intense as John Boyne really knows how to write a story!

4.5

Another harrowing part of John Boyne's Elements series. This time he focuses on Evan Keogh, who left the island the same day as Willow/Vanessa (who was the protagonist in Water).

Evan left the island to escape his father, wanting to be an artist, but things do not go as planned. Finding himself jobless and without support for a second time after his arrival in England Evan decides to do the only thing he knows he excels at - football. He has his reasons for picking the Championship club he does but the main one is defender, Robbie.

We start the story with Evan heading to a court room to hear the verdict in a case involving the alleged rape of a girl by Robbie in which Evan has played a significant part.

I'm not going to tell you this is an easy read because it's not. It's no more harrowing than Water though. John Boyne does not pick easy subjects. I found Water (and subsequently Earth) much easier to read than Boyne's longer novels because the prose has to be condensed into the salient facts. That's not to say the say it is any less shocking or unpalatable but, as with Water, these things happen. We have seen a catalogue of famous people heading into court to defend current or past actions and it is always divisive and emotive. Boyne manages very cleverly to condense the emotion so it does not become overwhelming.

Whichever side you find yourself supporting I can tell you that Mr Boyne does not leave you hanging at the end. Although it's hard to like any character in this book you should find yourself having sympathy in some small measure.

I am looking forward to seeing where Mr Boyne takes us in Fire.

Earth by John Boyne
I give this book 5 stars.

Two well-known footballers standing in the dock, charged with sexual assault.
As the trial unfolds, Evan Keogh reflects on the events that have led him to this moment.His life has been a lie on many levels.The jury will deliver a verdict but, before they do, Evan must judge for himself whether the man he has become is the man he wanted to be.

The long awaited 2nd book in the quarter based on the elements and just as brilliant as the first.
The main character appears briefly in Water and has his own story to tell. This author has the gift of lyrical storytelling that instantly connects with me and gets in my head and I read this in one sitting. Earth is symbolic and weaved cleverly into the story. The plot is brutal and harrowing and strongly resonates in today’s world, it shows how we are complicit in our actions but the author has handled it with tact and balances it out with redemption. A haunting short read that is definitely not short of content….outstanding!
With thanks to Netgalley,John Boyne and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Doubleday for my chance to read and review this book.

The novel 'Earth' is after 'Water' the second part of John Boyne's Elements quartet. But it can be read as standalone.
Evan Keogh is a successful footballer currently awaiting trial for sexual assault, together with a fellow team mate. He reflects on his experiences as a gay athlete and how his life has led him from a small island off the Irish West Coast to his current lifechanging situation. John Boyne is a master storyteller who gets to the bottom of human character with few words. He touches many subjects in this short novel like homosexuality, rape, friendship, success, guilt and morality. You get drawn into the characters and into the storyline. I love this book and would certainly recommend it.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House UK and Netgalley for giving me early access to the eARC.

I loved this novel, I love John Boyne. Raced through it in one sitting - completely unputdownable. Hard to read in places, but not overly gratuitous. A great read from one of my favourites

Two well-known footballers are in the dock, charged with rape, and a series of vile text messages pointing towards their guilt. As the trial unfolds, Evan Keogh reflects on the events that have led him to this moment.
The jury will deliver a verdict but, before they do, Evan must judge for himself whether the man he has become is the man he wanted to be....

Earth is the second title in Boyne’s Elements quartet, and whilst both Evan and his parents feature briefly in the first title, Water, Earth could equally be read as a standalone.

As well as sharing characters in common, both novels are brief yet pack a powerful punch, and are marked by a spare an economic prose that doesn’t waste a word, but perfectly and vividly paints a picture, sketches a character, portrays a mood and makes a point.

Like Water, this is an immersive, compelling and intense read, with a great deal of tension and topicality. Boyne portrays circumstances for which several footballers have faced trial in recent years, and does not shy away from graphic episodes within the text.

Since leaving his island home, Evan’s life has been a lie on so many levels. He’s a talented footballer who would have preferred to be an artist. The brutal and bullying nature of his father is the reason why he has had to be dishonest about his career preference and his sexuality, compounded by the fact that he plays in a sport that does not acknowledge diversity either.

Themes of guilt, complicity and victimhood are explored in this compelling read, along with the importance of living a true and authentic life.

Boyne brilliance once again.

Thank you to the publisher, Doubleday, for the Netgalley e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Enticing writer, enticing story.
A sensitive matter is handled tactfully, and it continues to make for an enjoyable series.
I can't wait for the next one!

Earth is the second book in this fabulous Elements series the first being Water which is a superb read and with Fire and Air to be published later, each book being released at 6-monthly intervals between Nov 2023 & May 2025.
As you would expect John Boyne pours his heart out in the first two books which are both very different but equally beautifully written and I’m so much looking forward to reading the last two books.
So a read that was totally immersive with a compelling story that I flew through, very topical with a clever link to the first book I think this one is my favourite so far but with the next ones to come who knows!!
Many thanks to John Boyne for the brilliant series so far and the super stories.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Doubleday for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

John Boyne relates a harrowing story with remarkable skill and grace. As the second novella in his Elements quartet, ‘Earth’ is a darker, more reflective and earthy read than ‘Water’. It centres on a rape trial where two Championship football players stand accused of this heinous act.

Evan Keogh finds himself in the dock. As he casts anxious glances at the defendant, watches his more confident team mate, Robbie, observes the inscrutable jury members, and slides his eyes away from his angry father and upset mother, Evan ponders his life so far, the lies he’s told, and what led him to this moment.

His gift for football sits at odds with his desire to be an artist. Sadly, his football playing gift leads to a career he doesn’t really want, but he’s not gifted enough to pursue the artistic career he’d rather have. The wages are good, but life is a big disappointment.

Evan feels like a failure. His father is relentlessly angry and disappointed with him. Being gay is an added complication. It takes him down dark pathways where he gets taken advantage of and abused. Redemption seems far off.

Boyne weaves beautifully descriptive sentences into his pared back prose. They help convey the essence of his characters and their predicament. Due to the novel’s subject matter, it’s quite explicit in places, though the earthiness fits the narrative.

I enjoyed reading ‘Water’ more than ‘Earth’, though I admire the brilliant way this is written and the relatability of the flawed characters. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series. Grateful thanks to Penguin Random House, UK and NetGalley for the eARC.