A characterful, page-turning drama and a vivid mixture of research and imagination

A 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

Full of adventure and excitement, unexpected plot twists and colourful characters, this book is both entertaining and enlightening

Twists and turns, mystery and mayhem together with fascinating details about 18th Century London. I found this a hugely exciting read

Noah 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

Destined to become somthing of a children's classic

Lovingly and movingly told

The 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

With 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

This is an unusual, poignant story with as many surprises as the shop itself

A fantasy grounded in its own logical world, like Alice in Wonderland

Watch 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

The 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

The 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

A journey that will change [Noah's] life. And it could change yours too

Boyne has written a magical new story that will melt the hearts of children everywhere

Boyne'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