Author:Catherine Johnson
'Characterful, page-turning drama and a vivid mixture of research and imagination' - The Sunday Times
A gripping tale of a group of larger-than-life con artists who roam the streets of eighteenth-century London.
Cato Hopkins is the youngest member of Mother Hopkins's 'family' - a group of skilled fraudsters and pickpockets. There's Addy, who can become a very convincing boy when she needs to; the beautiful Bella, who can charm any rich young man out of his fortune; Sam, an escaped slave and Cato himself, a young boy, who Mother Hopkins has taught everything she knows.
But old age is slowing Mother Hopkins down, and she wants to carry out one last con, a con to outdo all the cons that have gone before. And so the gang set about bringing ruin upon Captain Walker, a proud and cruel slave captain, who deserves to be taught a lesson or two .
A characterful, page-turning drama and a vivid mixture of research and imagination
—— Nicolette Jones , The Sunday TimesA thoroughly engaging and entirely convincing yarn with a dash of Dickens and more than a hint of historic realism to help drive the thrust of the narrative
—— Jake Hope , AchukaFull of adventure and excitement, unexpected plot twists and colourful characters, this book is both entertaining and enlightening
—— Through the Looking GlassTwists and turns, mystery and mayhem together with fascinating details about 18th Century London. I found this a hugely exciting read
—— Mary HooperNoah Barleywater Runs Away is a lovely story wrapped in magic and fairytale, and has reminded me how much I love John Boyne's writing. Readers of all ages will find something charming about this story, and it'll make you think about your own actions and how time moves a lot quicker than we think. I highly recommend it to everyone, whether you're old, young or just an 8-year-old boy looking for an adventure
—— Wondrous ReadsDestined to become somthing of a children's classic
—— Charlie Higson , Mail On SundayLovingly and movingly told
—— Enid Stephenson , CarouselThe message that 'life's too short' is carefully imparted by John Boyne. Eloquent and gentle, the author again shows he has a knack for storytelling
—— Fife LeaderWith illustations throughout from Oliver Jeffers, this is a beautiful and wonderfully written fairytale. Poignant, fantastical and charming: Noah Barleywater Runs Away is a must read
—— David O'Callaghan , Sunday Business PostThis is an unusual, poignant story with as many surprises as the shop itself
—— Debbie , Primary TimesA fantasy grounded in its own logical world, like Alice in Wonderland
—— Jan Lee , Oxford TimesWatch out for the heart-warming twist at the end, guaranteed to take adults back to childhood. When Noah Barleywater ran away, I went with him
—— Kimberley Hylton , Books QuarterlyThe way the two strands of narratives entwine is skillfully and sensitively done. Boyne has interesting things to say about identity, self knowledge and how we cope with life's travails and the book really does benefit from a second reading. Oliver Jeffers has produced beautiful cover artwork and his line drawings are suitably enigmatic helping to make this both an attractive and desirable package
—— John Newman , School LibrarianThe end of the story is particularly glorious as the reader finds out why Noah chose to run . . . Beautiful, haunting and a book that can be enjoyed by adults
—— Stacia Briggs , Norwich Evening NewsA journey that will change [Noah's] life. And it could change yours too
—— Woking News and MailBoyne has written a magical new story that will melt the hearts of children everywhere
—— Lancashire Evening PostBoyne's is no simple fairy tale. Enchantment is intertwined with realism, and while a suspension of disbelief will stand readers in good stead, so will the inevitable recognition that sadness is the flip side of joy, and death an inevitable part of life
—— Bernie Goedhart , Montreal Gazette