"A Ladder to the Sky," by John Boyne
Maurice Swift, like the title character in Patricia Highsmith's "The Talented Mr. Ripley," is a handsome, charming character determined to be the foremost writer of his generation — and a father. Creatively structured and page-turningly good, John Boyne writes an intriguing take on writers and publishing seen through the eyes of well-imagined characters, moral conundrums and laugh-out-loud delusions. While there are many review comparisons to Tom Ripley, I was also reminded of Meg Wolitzer's "The Wife" and Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray." Very good.
Kay Emel-Powell, Bloomington
Quarantine Reads are recommendations of soothing books during fraught times. Send your suggestion, with your name and city, to books@startribune.com
