THE DARE: JOHN BOYNE

Have you ever faced a moment in life which changed everything for you. If your answer is yes, then you will definitely like this book. It’s a fast read with just 103 pages. But do not be fooled by the number. It contains a whole within those few pages. Since the length of  the book is not much, it is more plot driven with more or less linear characters.As there is not much for the character development. But still each character will strike a chord with you since they are real and identifiable.

The story of THE DARE is from the point of view of a twelve year old boy, Danny Delaney. Its in first narrative. The book talks of how a moment can change a family for ever. Danny is looking forward for a fun filled, trouble free summer in his school holidays. But everything changes in a moment, when he finds out that his mother has accidentally hit a small boy with her car. The boy is in coma at he local hospital. Driven by guilt and remorse , Mrs.Delaney retreats into herself . She is unable to forgive herself for the lapse. This results in disintegration of the family. They all fall apart, with Mr.Delaney and Danny trying hard to fix the pieces.  Danny feels confused and isolated when his mother refuses to behave normal and is hysteric, while his father is trying hard to compensate for the lack of her presence. But its not enough.

Danny leaves home in a desperate attempt to live a normal life. The author has skillfully managed to enter the mind of a twelve year old and express his pain and angst. A difficult thing to do but Boyne has done a beautiful job in this book. There is nothing dark in this book, its easy flowing and never for a moment does the plot stall. its fast paced and keep you at the edge of your seat to know what happens to the boy hit by the car.

We all have vivid memories of the that one moment that changed you or your life forever. This book speaks of such a moment.For those looking for a light read but with some essence, this is the perfect pick for you.