Stay Where You Are And Then Leave

The day the First World War broke out, Alfie Summerfield's father promised he wouldn't go away to fight - but he broke that promise the following day. Four years later, Alfie doesn't know where his father might be, other than that he's away on a special, secret mission. Then, while shining shoes at King's Cross Station, Alfie unexpectedly sees his father's name - on a sheaf of papers belonging to a military doctor. Bewildered and confused, Alfie realises his father is in a hospital close by - a hospital treating soldiers with an unusual condition. Alfie is determined to rescue his father from this strange, unnerving place . . .

Pat Barker meets Michelle Magorian . . . Comic as well as poignantly enlightening * Independent on Sunday * John Boyne's children's novels tackle difficult subjects . . . and this latest book looks at the horrors of trench warfare in World War 1. With the anniversary of that war next year, this is a timely examination of moral, physical and mental bravery and pain * Daily Mail * Beautifully paced and affecting * The Bookseller * Stay Where You Are and Then Leave is beautifully written, as are all John Boyne's books for children. Although it's a book aimed primarily at younger readers, it's equally as satisfying for adults, and should be widely read by everyone * Wondrous Reads * A beautifully paced and affecting tale * Independent on Sunday * John Boyne is clearly unafraid to tackle the big subjects in his fiction for children . . . A good, solid, engaging read -- Tony Bradman * Guardian * Wonderful . . . One of the best books of the year. An instant classic -- Eoin Colfer Leaves the reader with a greater sense of how war changes people and their communities, and reminds us that sometimes, the ordinary acts of courage that get a child and his family through each day are as valuable, rare and life-changing as any along the front. Alfie inspires us to be more courageous than we're used to and to do right by others even when the world is tense around us * Oprah Magazine * A beautifully paced and touching tale * Mail on Sunday *.

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John Boyne is the author of sixteen novels for adults, six for younger readers, a picture book and a collection of short stories. His 2006 novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide and has been adapted for cinema, theatre, ballet and opera. His many international bestsellers include The Heart's Invisible Furies and A Ladder to the Sky. He has won four Irish Book Awards, including Author of the Year in 2022, along with a host of other international literary prizes, including most recently both the 2025 Prix Femina Etranger and the Prix du Roman FNAC in France for The Elements. His novels are published in sixty languages. Twitter: @JohnBoyne Instagram: @JohnBoyneAuthor.