Book review: Fire by John Boyne

Fire by John Boyne is the latest in the ‘elements’ series and there are a few references to all four [elements] here. But I need start by saying this book is A LOT. Boyne hasn’t shied away from contentious and sensitive issues in this series. In Water we were introduced to a pedophile swim coach; in Earth a young talented soccer player who did what he needed to get ahead got embroiled in a sexual assault.* Here, it’s… well I can’t really say as it would be a huge spoiler but our lead character is a prominent burns specialist, Freya, who lives a very tightly-controlled life, much of which was shaped by her own childhood and an event she continues to relive.

On the face of it, Freya lives a gilded existence, dancing solely to her own tune. She has all the trappings of wealth and privilege, a responsible job as a surgeon specialising in skin grafts, a beautiful flat in a sought-after development, and a flash car. But it wasn’t always like this. Hers is a life founded on darkness.

Did what happened to Freya as a child one fateful summer influence the adult she would become – or was she always destined to be that person? Was she born with cruelty in her heart or did something force it into being?

Once we learn what happened to Freya as a child there’s an obvious sense of horror and then empathy. And then, there’s more to that story and readers’ (well, mine anyway) sentiments (potentially) change again.

This unfolds from Freya’s point of view so we’re in her head the entire time. And it’s not always pleasant. Some might say the position in which Boyne places readers might be untenable to many. As if we’re complicit in some way (though our actual exposure is limited). But it gives us an insight into Freya and her thoughts and actions. Even if we don’t aways want it. The back-cover blurb suggests there’s a nature / nurture question at the heart of this book. And in some ways that’s revisited through a connection to a daughter of the man (perpetrator) we met in the first book.

Boyne’s prose are again brilliant. There’s more reflection on all elements here, even ‘air’ (the title of the last book in this series, due out in May 2025) and some understanding of the fundamental roles they play in (underpinning) our existence. The platform(s) on which we exist.

This is an uncomfortable read and (though) often books require us to consider or accept behaviour or ideology that is distinct from ours, Boyne obviously isn’t trying to do that here. He deftly handles the subject matter. In some ways this is worthy of 4.5 stars but (interestingly!!!) I feel that would be celebrating something that shouldn’t be celebrated.

* Incidentally we learn more about the outcome of that case here, given that book ends with a life-changing decision for our lead character.