Freelance Writing Jobs | Today's Articles | Sign In

A Review of The Dare by John Boyne

A Tale of Adolescent Angst From the Quick Read Series 2009

Mar 25, 2009 Catherine Whitlock

The author of the best selling 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas', John Boyne, illustrates the love and loss experienced as part of growing up in his new novel 'The Dare'.

John Boynes latest offering confirms his position as a leading contemporary author.

The plot

Danny Delaney is an ordinary boy whose life is about to be turned upside down. His mother returns home from work, unexpectedly late. She is accompanied by a policeman. So begins this tale of consequences.

A small boy, Andy Kennedy, has been knocked down by a car and his mother is responsible. Or is she? Parallel threads of conflict and rejection run through this book as the characters’ roles in the events of that fateful night are revealed.

The characters

Danny is 12, on the cusp of adolescence. His brother, Pete, has already flown the nest to university. As the story begins, Pete has just announced his plans to travel with friends this holiday. Danny’s feelings of rejection and loss have begun.

Andy Kennedy slips into a coma. Danny’s mother struggles to cope and withdraws from the family. The reader is left feeling unsympathetic, despite her obvious concern for Andy.

As Danny’s father holds the family together, Danny takes matters into his own hands. He meets Sarah, Andy’s sister. Sarah provides a welcome, but confusing, distraction as Danny discovers the truth behind the books title, The Dare. Events escalate to a startling conclusion, with a starring role for his returning brother.

The shifting sands of adolescent relationships and loyalties are further illustrated by his ambivalent relationship with his next door neighbour, Luke. As the story is resolved, his attitude towards him changes.

Hard to put down?

The book is written in the first person with Danny providing the narrative. As such, it creates a perfect voice for adolescent angst. Even when his actions are questionable, he is portrayed as a likeable character. The Dare illustrates the challenges in growing up in, and away from, the family. It presents an engaging and relevant read for teenagers and adults alike.

About the author

John Boyne has published 6 novels, including the bestseller The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. He lives in Ireland.

Quick Reads series

Quick reads are aimed at people who’ve either lost or never developed their reading habit or just want simply that, a quick read. They are short, often only about 100 pages long, and are written in an accessible and appealing style.

There are 32 books in the series including 10 published 5 March 2009, to coincide with World Book Day. Learning resources are provided to develop reading skills.