Stay Where You Are And Then Leave

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

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 . . .

©John Boyne 2013 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

Critics Review

  • 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

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