A media obsessed family journey through various degrees of media induced catastrophes, good satire of phones and modern life landscapes.

Browsing the new release shelf at the library I stumbled upon it and after reading the summary checked it out. Unlike most of his stories, Boyne calls upon his Brit sense of humor poking fun at today's society. A laugh out loud experience, we're introduced to the Cleverly family, George and Beverly as well as children, Elizabeth, Achilles and Neville.

A popular BBC personality, George's notoriety and long career affords his family a level of affluence few achieve. His wife Beverly Cleverly is a best selling author of 'junk romance' novels she creates through use of a 'ghost' writer. With George and Beverly out of touch with reality, parenting and politically correct mindsets, they're not exactly the best role models for the kids, who happen to live at home. And this is where the rubber meets the road.

The youngest of the three, the 17 year old Achilles extorts money from older men that want to ravage him. A middle child at 20, Elizabeth is all about social media followers and like most is glued to her phone. Neville, the oldest is a frustrated teacher who dives into speed dating and in the process discovers he's gay.

George has problems with commentary especially where sexual identity is concerned. Beverly's problem is her highly opinionated stodginess; Achilles a soon-to be-criminal and Neville.. Mr. Ripley has nothing on him! And what about the smart phone strapped to the tortoise? Read the book and find out :)

A sarcastic romp, Boyne demonstrates their disconnection with humanity, family dysfunction, phone addiction and how easy society misinterprets comments. The phrase 'Lose Lips Sink Ships' is one that will come to mind as you make your way through the labyrinth.

A fan of humor, this was by FAR the funniest book I've read and will definitely be reading it again. Having only read one of his others, I would hope Boyne will continue to use his unbridled sense of humor in the future! If you want to take a break from mysteries, romance or horror and laugh out loud, make sure to add it to your list ( )

John Boyne is one of my favorite novelists. This the 7th book of his that I have read. He is able to handle different styles and subjects. This book is totally different that his other books and might be the best. It is hilarious. There are so many funny lines in his prose that you will enjoy it just for that aspect. This is a satirical attack on the "woke" culture, social media, and our need to seek approval from perfect strangers. The book takes place in England and is about the Cleverley family. They are an entitled dysfunctional family consisting of George(BBC talk show host), Beverly(Beverly Cleverley!!!, a romantic novelist) Nelson(23 year old with problems), Elizabeth (22 year old obsessed with get a "following" on Twitter) and Achilles 18 year old (also a con boy/man). These are not likable characters and you are definitely rooting for their downfall. Don't want to give away too much but this is a fun bitingly humorous book. If you enjoy this, then try reading more Boyne. You will not be disappointed. ( )

Disappointed....I just can't finish it....I understand this is satire, but the characters are so over the top I can't appreciate the points he is trying to make. I knew about 30 pages in this wasn't going to be good....seemed like he hurriedly wrote it to get it out there and expose social media for what it is and does. Turns people into morons and allows them to hide behind a profile to spew their hate. Unfortunately, he also attacked everything and everyone he hates. I was looking forward to reading this book, so many great reviews, but as I was getting further in the book I was trying to justify the bad writing because it is supposed to be satirical. The writing was not John Boyne quality. I kept telling myself if everyone loved it so much, you should too....I got the audio book, (some said you have to listen to it), that didn't help. I can't recommend it.

Humour is obviously a very subjective thing, and what one person find funny, another might find offensive. I thought this book was hilarious. I particularly enjoyed Beverley, with her improbable name, and her insistence that she is a hard-working author, when she doesn't actually write her own books. It builds gloriously to the day when each family member is arrested by the police. I was a bit disconcerted by the epilogue - did the Cleverleys really deserve that ending? ( )