Book Review | A Ladder to the Sky - John Boyne
A Ladder to the Sky is an addictive tale about ambition and the dangerous lengths that one might go to reach the top.
The novel opens in 1988 West Berlin; Maurice Swift, an insanely handsome waiter at the Savoy Hotel, is already catching the eye of one of its patrons, the one and only Erich Ackermann. Being the well-established Author that he is, Erich takes delight in the fact that the good-looking waiter recognizes him, even more so when Maurice opens a dialogue. As conversation flows, Erich feels a nostalgic pull towards Maurice, as he reminds him so clearly of the best-kept secret from his youth. A secret in which Maurice will come to learn and after a few extra embellishments walk away with his first best-selling novel.
As we follow Maurice's career journey as a budding writer, we see him in the luxurious Amalfi coast, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Gore Vidal - a famous writer from the '80s. Later, he marries another best-selling writer, Edith. As he builds a life among a literary crowd, Maurice is desperate to reach the top of his game. However, he lacks the essentials to have what it takes, such as imagination and ideas. What starts as a cunning idea, quickly evolves into a lifetime of literary theft. But just how far is too far?
It took me no time at all to figure out that I am not a fan of Maurice Swift. I have scarcely come across a character so utterly loathsome, and yet, I could not put this book down. There are parts that will make your blood boil. Creating a villain which readers will love to hate speaks volumes of Boyne's talent, especially so when the said villain has just enough wit and charm, making it clear how he quickly wins over the other characters.
I really enjoyed Boyne's perspective of the literary world throughout the last few decades. With chapters set in West Berlin in '88, luxurious Amalfi Coast and uptown New York City, it was interesting to read about the fictional elite within the publishing sphere and all the intricacies therein, such as the friendships, mysterious romances, drama and of course, the idea thieving.
But the scene that still plays on my mind was when Edith – his wife - enters the fray. This interlude in the book is set from Edith's perspective, and in turn, all the more powerful. While Edith is already a successful published writer, Maurice is hitting a bit of a dry spell with no creative juices to be found. Within this relationship, Boyne shone the spotlight on Maurice's manipulative, jealous and evil behaviour.
The precision pacing and punchy paragraphs bring just enough tension to harbour a psycho-thriller vibe, sure to get the heart racing and makes for a swift, riveting read.