In this exclusive interview, acclaimed author John Boyne delves into the
inspiration and creative process behind his Elements series. Tackling the
complexities of abuse through distinct narrative voices – enabler, complicit
bystander, perpetrator, and victim – Boyne explains how personal experiences
shaped the series and informed its poignant themes. He also reflects on the
evolution of his style, the challenges of crafting introspective narrators, and
his ability to draw from past trauma to create compelling stories that resonate
with readers. Beyond Elements, Boyne hints at future projects, including
a lighter novel, new ventures into scriptwriting, and more picture books
for young readers.
How did you decide on the themes or concepts for each book?
I made a plan when I began that each would explore different aspects of abuse so, in order, the narrative perspective is that of enabler, complicity, perpetrator, and victim. I wanted to end on the story of a victim so that his voice would be the last that we heard and, hopefully, the sequence would end on a positive note, showing the reader that one's life does not need to be destroyed forever by the actions of those who had hurt us, full stop.
How do you feel your style or voice has evolved in the Elements series compared to your previous works, and what new directions are you excited to explore?
Creating four independent narrative voices was a challenge, particularly since they are connected through theme. I wanted each narrator to sound, feel, and approach the world in different ways. Their own backgrounds and back stories would contribute to their narrative voices. Each one is probably more introspective than any character I've written before, and that was actually quite pleasurable for me as a writer. I'm always interested in new directions for the future. I love the challenges that writing brings me. For example, I've just published my first picture book for small children, The Dog Who Danced on the Moon, a picture book that rhymes, and that was an entirely new experience for me.
“I'm lucky … that I have the creative ability to draw on past trauma and write about it.”
Did any specific research, travel, or personal experiences influence the writing of the Elements series? If so, could you share some insights into that process?
In general, I drew on the experience that I had suffered as a teenage boy at the hands of one of my teachers in school in Dublin. I wrote a novel some years ago titled A History of Loneliness which explored this in quite some depth and have written about it in non-fiction articles on several occasions in the years between now and then. My own abuser was due to stand trial in Ireland in March of this year, but died before he could be held to account for his crimes. He was one of several abusers at the school I attended and there were many of us who were taking criminal cases against him for his actions. I'm lucky, however, that I have the creative ability to draw on past trauma and write about it. It’s helpful to me in my life, and hopefully helpful to readers who have experienced similar difficulties.
What do you hope readers will take away from the Elements series, and how do you think it will resonate with different audiences?
I hope that they'll find each of the four narrators interesting, even those who are responsible for some terrible actions. The reality is, there are people in the world who commit these heinous acts and unless we understand what drove them to it, we stand little chance of preventing it from happening in the future. As a storyteller, however, I also hope that readers will fully engage with each book and that they will find themselves lost inside the stories and the characters that I've created.
Beyond the Elements series, are there any other projects or stories you’re excited to explore in the near future?
I've already started to think about my next novel, which will be much more lighthearted than these four. I certainly feel that I need a break from the dark foundations that underlie the Elements sequence. I'm also dabbling in script writing and hope to write another picture book for small children.
Fire by John Boyne is on shelves now.
Air, the final book in Boyne's Elements series, will hit shelves in June 2025.
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