Stay Where You Are And Then Leave

By: John Boyne

Narrated by: Adrian Rawlins

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

Critic reviews

Pat Barker meets Michelle Magorian . . . Comic as well as poignantly enlightening

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

Beautifully paced and affecting

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

A beautifully paced and affecting tale

John Boyne is clearly unafraid to tackle the big subjects in his fiction for children . . . A good, solid, engaging read (Tony Bradman)

Wonderful . . . One of the best books of the year. An instant classic (Eoin Colfer)

Leaves the reader with a greater sense of how war changes people and their communities, and reminds us that sometimes, the ordinary acts of courage that get a child and his family through each day are as valuable, rare and life-changing as any along the front. Alfie inspires us to be more courageous than we’re used to and to do right by others even when the world is tense around us

A beautifully paced and touching tale

Stay Where You Are and Then Leave is a work of tender beauty and real lives. It is an instant classic that, once read, will never be forgotten. I loved the voice and the people. John Boyne has recreated a world that deserves to be remembered for ever. Children's minds and lives will be richer for reading this wonderful story. The forgotten victims of the Great War finally have their stories told (Eoin Colfer)