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All the Broken Places: A Novel

Description:

“You can’t prepare yourself for the magnitude and emotional impact of this powerful novel.” —John Irving

From the
New York Times bestselling author John Boyne, a stunning tour de force about a woman who must confront the sins of her own terrible past, and a present in which it is never too late for bravery

Ninety-one-year-old Gretel Fernsby has lived in the same well-to-do mansion block in London for decades. She lives a quiet, comfortable life, despite her deeply disturbing, dark past. She doesn’t talk about her escape from Nazi Germany at age twelve. She doesn’t talk about the grim postwar years in France with her mother. Most of all, she doesn’t talk about her father, who was the commandant of one of the Reich’s most notorious extermination camps.

Then, a new family moves into the apartment below her. In spite of herself, Gretel can’t help but begin a friendship with the little boy, Henry, though his presence brings back memories she would rather forget. One night, she witnesses a disturbing, violent argument between Henry’s beautiful mother and his arrogant father, one that threatens Gretel’s hard-won, self-contained existence.

Immersive, chilling, unputdownable,
All the Broken Places moves back and forth in time between Gretel’s girlhood in Germany and present-day London. Here, Gretel is at a similar crossroads to the one she encountered long ago. Then, she denied her own complicity, but now, faced with a chance to interrogate her guilt, grief, and remorse, she can choose to save a young boy. If she does, she will be forced to reveal the secrets she has spent a lifetime protecting. This time, she can make a different choice than before—whatever the cost to herself.


Editorial Reviews

Review

“When is a monster’s child culpable? Guilt and complicity are multifaceted. John Boyne is a maestro of historical fiction. You can’t prepare yourself for the magnitude and emotional impact of this powerful novel.”
—John Irving, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The World According to Garp

“This novel, this exceptional, layered and compelling story, is built on modern history and all of us people who live it. The protagonist, the elderly, forthright and mysterious Mrs. Fernsby, is more than memorable and every one of Boyne’s characters, and every scene, dark or light, is limned in truth and insight. This book moves like a freight train,with force and consequence for the reader.” 
—Amy Bloom, New York Times bestselling author of In Love

“John Boyne has written a propulsive, heartrending mystery that delivers on both an intellectual and emotional level. It is the story of Gretel Fernsby, a ninety-one year old woman who has spent her life keeping a terrible secret, and the reckoning she faces when past and present collide. Complex. Ferocious. Beautiful and hard. I could not put this novel down.”
Ariel Lawhon, New York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia and Code Name Hélène

“What an incredible feat of storytelling.
All the Broken Places is a stark confrontation of evil, an examination of guilt and deflection, and an old-fashioned page-turner. John treads the finest of narrative lines with skill and grace and proves himself yet again to be among the world's greatest storytellers.” 
—Donal Ryan, #1 international bestselling author of The Queen of Dirt Island and Strange Flowers

“A powerful novel about secrets and atonement after Auschwitz… All the Broken Places is a defence of literature’s need to shine a light on the darkest aspects of human nature; and it does so with a novelist’s skill, precision and power.”
—The Guardian

“This is a powerful page-turner, a novel that tackles complex issues while keeping its reader utterly gripped. Gretel's "final story" is an essential one.”
Minneapolis Star-Tribune

“Clear your calendar. Get All the Broken Places and just don’t make any plans, other than to read and read and read.”
Washington Blade

“A complex, thoughtful character study that avoids easy answers.” 
Kirkus Reviews

“In Gretel, Boyne has created a magnificently dyspeptic protagonist whose self-assurance, sharp tongue and wry humor are at odds with her private agony.”
—the Financial Times

About the Author

John Boyne is the author of thirteen novels for adults, six for younger readers and a collection of short stories. His 2006 novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide. He has won three Irish Book Awards, along with a host of other international literary prizes. His novels are published in more than fifty languages.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Adventure

C.D. · June 28, 2023

All The Broken Places is a riveting novel that will keep readers enthralled from start to finish. The author skillfully weaves together a complex plot of internal and external conflicts, complemented by parallel flashbacks that guarantee an unforgettable reading experience. Every page turn brings surprises that heighten the suspense, drawing readers deeper into the story’s mysteries.The characters are exquisitely crafted and highly relatable. Their unique qualities, flaws, and personal introspection create a realistic portrayal of metacognition, as they reassess their thoughts and actions. This metacognitive aspect adds tremendous depth to the characters and further enhances the overall authenticity of the story.The situations depicted in the book are also incredibly realistic. The author has accurately captured the complexities of human interactions, providing a vivid representation of how individuals navigate difficult circumstances. This realistic portrayal allows readers to form a genuine connection with the characters and the story as a whole.This is an outstanding book that is sure to captivate readers with its great plot, engaging conflicts, and exceptional character development. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of metacognition and provides a realistic account of how individuals handle difficult situations. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a compelling and well-crafted story.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Different Perspective

R.i.B. · October 13, 2025

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It is beautifully written, completely believable and most of all thought provoking. I didn’t love the main character as a person, but I found myself considering her life and her decisions and how I might have acted if I were in her situations. Excellent read!

4.0 out of 5 stars Well written but main character weirdly flawed

R.R. · August 20, 2025

This is my first book by John Boyne. I did not read the prequel “The Boy in Striped Pajamas”which was a bestseller for a long time. Now o feel that I know that story too and will not bother reading it.I sort of like the plot of this historical novel but I cannot connect with the heroine. There are several places in this book that Boyne gets motherhood and being a witness to abuse completely wrong. Mother does not love her brother more than her own child. If witnessing abuse, the best action is to report to authorities, not hiding behind one’s own fears.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fear and Guilt

N.P. · September 15, 2025

The most devastating book on the Holocaust I have ever read. My heart broke a thousand times. The book begins with a story written by the same author, The Boy with the Striped Pajamas. This book continues the lives of the characters after their traumatic lives, not as a prisoners in the detention camp but as a family of the perpetrators. One must question an entirely different set of emotions and perspectives. So thought provoking. Haunting. An excellent read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Horrifically beautiful!

C.M. · September 8, 2025

I absolutely LOVE this book! The story and main character, Gretel is phenomenal! I have always loved this time period in history, but never read a story about the Holocaust from the German side of it. The story is well written, with characters that come to life on the pages and has many surprises. It is very emotional and the ending had me in tears. I highly recommend it!

5.0 out of 5 stars Disturbing and riveting

D. · December 10, 2023

I just finished All The Broken Places by John Boyne. If a book can be disturbing and riveting all at the same time, it would describe this piece of historical fiction perfectly. This novel is the continuation of the story, The Boy in The Striped Pajamas. However, it primarily centers on Bruno's sister Gretel, and gives details of what happened to her and her family after the war. Like other historical fiction novels, this too alternated between past and present, a clever way to entice the reader to keep turning pages.I don't want to give too much away in regards to the plot, but what I will say is I had great difficulty liking the main character Gretel, a sign she was well written. At times I had to walk away from the novel because Gretel made me angry and my head spun. She was often self-absorbed and in great denial of the horrors the Nazi Party had created, and then just as quickly would be overcome with guilt and fear of others finding out about her, or her family's past. As the years go by, Gretel matures and appears to accept her family's guilt, while attempting to put the past behind her. But all dark secrets have a way of catching up as she will find in the most unpleasant way.All The Broken Places is very well written, as all John Boyne books tend to be. There are twists and turns in the story that I never anticipated and the ending was a bit of a shock, although I should have seen it coming. This novel was a great way to both continue and end the story of The Boy in The Striped Pajamas.

4.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly Engrossing

M.L. · September 29, 2025

"All the Broken Places" by John Boyne, is thoroughly engrossing (ALL his novels are).The novel follows Gretel, the sister from "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas", as she reflects upon her life, and it is a sequel of sorts. Now 91 years old, Gretel reflects upon her past as the daughter of a Nazi concentration camp commandant, and all the secrets she's been carrying for a lifetime.Themes of guilt, complicity, and atonement abound.

5.0 out of 5 stars Keep reading a it builds and builds

C. · August 23, 2025

The book started out somewhat and took me a few chapters to get the grasp of it. Gretel 's life alternating from chapter to chapter keeps building to a point that fills you with sadness, lost loves, tragedies and horror. The ending is a surprise. Well written with personal prospectives of WW2 Germany and the terrible tragedies family's faced

Excelente

D. · April 25, 2025

John te matinee en suspenso y como alterna epocas de la vida te mantle pesado alLibro. Lo termine en 5 dias, no lo podia soltar. Me gusto muchísimo.

An amazing read

K.g. · June 18, 2025

An amazing read. The switch between the past and the present is what keeps you hooked from the start and at the end everything makes soo much sense.The emotions have been captured perfectly.

10/10

I. · May 27, 2025

Una HISTORIA de principio a fin. Se la recomendaría a cualquiera

Fascinating Sequel.

S. · August 25, 2024

All the Broken Places is a sequel to John Boyne's "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas". The Boy.... was, I thought, ridiculous, because anyone who understands Auschwitz knows beyond doubt that what happened in that first book would have been absolutely impossible. No-one could sit somewhere unmolested, let alone lift the bottom wires of a fence to allow in a visiting friend. That first book was seen by me as an exercise in ignorance and money-making. "All the Broken Places" is, however, completely different. It is totally absorbing and impossible to put down. Simply, it is the story of "the boy's" sister and mother post-war. It eventually takes us into his sister's life as she ages, living in England, her great fear being that her true identity and history will be uncovered and revealed. The story is tense, exciting, psychologically astute, and impossible to forget. I loved this book and recommend it to all those who enjoy literary fiction. Five stars.

Amazing book about the holocaust

P.F. · August 1, 2025

I have read many books about WW2 but none from the perspective of a German girl and her Nazi father in charge of a concentration camp. Her experiences after the war impressed on me the various emotions she felt. This book keeps you enthralled to the very end. Loved it!!!

All the Broken Places: A Novel

Product ID: U0593653440
Condition: New

4.6

AED15138

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Paperback
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

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Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

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BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

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All the Broken Places: A Novel

Product ID: U0593653440
Condition: New

4.6

All the Broken Places: A Novel-0
Type: Paperback

AED15138

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

“You can’t prepare yourself for the magnitude and emotional impact of this powerful novel.” —John Irving

From the
New York Times bestselling author John Boyne, a stunning tour de force about a woman who must confront the sins of her own terrible past, and a present in which it is never too late for bravery

Ninety-one-year-old Gretel Fernsby has lived in the same well-to-do mansion block in London for decades. She lives a quiet, comfortable life, despite her deeply disturbing, dark past. She doesn’t talk about her escape from Nazi Germany at age twelve. She doesn’t talk about the grim postwar years in France with her mother. Most of all, she doesn’t talk about her father, who was the commandant of one of the Reich’s most notorious extermination camps.

Then, a new family moves into the apartment below her. In spite of herself, Gretel can’t help but begin a friendship with the little boy, Henry, though his presence brings back memories she would rather forget. One night, she witnesses a disturbing, violent argument between Henry’s beautiful mother and his arrogant father, one that threatens Gretel’s hard-won, self-contained existence.

Immersive, chilling, unputdownable,
All the Broken Places moves back and forth in time between Gretel’s girlhood in Germany and present-day London. Here, Gretel is at a similar crossroads to the one she encountered long ago. Then, she denied her own complicity, but now, faced with a chance to interrogate her guilt, grief, and remorse, she can choose to save a young boy. If she does, she will be forced to reveal the secrets she has spent a lifetime protecting. This time, she can make a different choice than before—whatever the cost to herself.


Editorial Reviews

Review

“When is a monster’s child culpable? Guilt and complicity are multifaceted. John Boyne is a maestro of historical fiction. You can’t prepare yourself for the magnitude and emotional impact of this powerful novel.”
—John Irving, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The World According to Garp

“This novel, this exceptional, layered and compelling story, is built on modern history and all of us people who live it. The protagonist, the elderly, forthright and mysterious Mrs. Fernsby, is more than memorable and every one of Boyne’s characters, and every scene, dark or light, is limned in truth and insight. This book moves like a freight train,with force and consequence for the reader.” 
—Amy Bloom, New York Times bestselling author of In Love

“John Boyne has written a propulsive, heartrending mystery that delivers on both an intellectual and emotional level. It is the story of Gretel Fernsby, a ninety-one year old woman who has spent her life keeping a terrible secret, and the reckoning she faces when past and present collide. Complex. Ferocious. Beautiful and hard. I could not put this novel down.”
Ariel Lawhon, New York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia and Code Name Hélène

“What an incredible feat of storytelling.
All the Broken Places is a stark confrontation of evil, an examination of guilt and deflection, and an old-fashioned page-turner. John treads the finest of narrative lines with skill and grace and proves himself yet again to be among the world's greatest storytellers.” 
—Donal Ryan, #1 international bestselling author of The Queen of Dirt Island and Strange Flowers

“A powerful novel about secrets and atonement after Auschwitz… All the Broken Places is a defence of literature’s need to shine a light on the darkest aspects of human nature; and it does so with a novelist’s skill, precision and power.”
—The Guardian

“This is a powerful page-turner, a novel that tackles complex issues while keeping its reader utterly gripped. Gretel's "final story" is an essential one.”
Minneapolis Star-Tribune

“Clear your calendar. Get All the Broken Places and just don’t make any plans, other than to read and read and read.”
Washington Blade

“A complex, thoughtful character study that avoids easy answers.” 
Kirkus Reviews

“In Gretel, Boyne has created a magnificently dyspeptic protagonist whose self-assurance, sharp tongue and wry humor are at odds with her private agony.”
—the Financial Times

About the Author

John Boyne is the author of thirteen novels for adults, six for younger readers and a collection of short stories. His 2006 novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide. He has won three Irish Book Awards, along with a host of other international literary prizes. His novels are published in more than fifty languages.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Adventure

C.D. · June 28, 2023

All The Broken Places is a riveting novel that will keep readers enthralled from start to finish. The author skillfully weaves together a complex plot of internal and external conflicts, complemented by parallel flashbacks that guarantee an unforgettable reading experience. Every page turn brings surprises that heighten the suspense, drawing readers deeper into the story’s mysteries.The characters are exquisitely crafted and highly relatable. Their unique qualities, flaws, and personal introspection create a realistic portrayal of metacognition, as they reassess their thoughts and actions. This metacognitive aspect adds tremendous depth to the characters and further enhances the overall authenticity of the story.The situations depicted in the book are also incredibly realistic. The author has accurately captured the complexities of human interactions, providing a vivid representation of how individuals navigate difficult circumstances. This realistic portrayal allows readers to form a genuine connection with the characters and the story as a whole.This is an outstanding book that is sure to captivate readers with its great plot, engaging conflicts, and exceptional character development. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of metacognition and provides a realistic account of how individuals handle difficult situations. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a compelling and well-crafted story.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Different Perspective

R.i.B. · October 13, 2025

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It is beautifully written, completely believable and most of all thought provoking. I didn’t love the main character as a person, but I found myself considering her life and her decisions and how I might have acted if I were in her situations. Excellent read!

4.0 out of 5 stars Well written but main character weirdly flawed

R.R. · August 20, 2025

This is my first book by John Boyne. I did not read the prequel “The Boy in Striped Pajamas”which was a bestseller for a long time. Now o feel that I know that story too and will not bother reading it.I sort of like the plot of this historical novel but I cannot connect with the heroine. There are several places in this book that Boyne gets motherhood and being a witness to abuse completely wrong. Mother does not love her brother more than her own child. If witnessing abuse, the best action is to report to authorities, not hiding behind one’s own fears.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fear and Guilt

N.P. · September 15, 2025

The most devastating book on the Holocaust I have ever read. My heart broke a thousand times. The book begins with a story written by the same author, The Boy with the Striped Pajamas. This book continues the lives of the characters after their traumatic lives, not as a prisoners in the detention camp but as a family of the perpetrators. One must question an entirely different set of emotions and perspectives. So thought provoking. Haunting. An excellent read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Horrifically beautiful!

C.M. · September 8, 2025

I absolutely LOVE this book! The story and main character, Gretel is phenomenal! I have always loved this time period in history, but never read a story about the Holocaust from the German side of it. The story is well written, with characters that come to life on the pages and has many surprises. It is very emotional and the ending had me in tears. I highly recommend it!

5.0 out of 5 stars Disturbing and riveting

D. · December 10, 2023

I just finished All The Broken Places by John Boyne. If a book can be disturbing and riveting all at the same time, it would describe this piece of historical fiction perfectly. This novel is the continuation of the story, The Boy in The Striped Pajamas. However, it primarily centers on Bruno's sister Gretel, and gives details of what happened to her and her family after the war. Like other historical fiction novels, this too alternated between past and present, a clever way to entice the reader to keep turning pages.I don't want to give too much away in regards to the plot, but what I will say is I had great difficulty liking the main character Gretel, a sign she was well written. At times I had to walk away from the novel because Gretel made me angry and my head spun. She was often self-absorbed and in great denial of the horrors the Nazi Party had created, and then just as quickly would be overcome with guilt and fear of others finding out about her, or her family's past. As the years go by, Gretel matures and appears to accept her family's guilt, while attempting to put the past behind her. But all dark secrets have a way of catching up as she will find in the most unpleasant way.All The Broken Places is very well written, as all John Boyne books tend to be. There are twists and turns in the story that I never anticipated and the ending was a bit of a shock, although I should have seen it coming. This novel was a great way to both continue and end the story of The Boy in The Striped Pajamas.

4.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly Engrossing

M.L. · September 29, 2025

"All the Broken Places" by John Boyne, is thoroughly engrossing (ALL his novels are).The novel follows Gretel, the sister from "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas", as she reflects upon her life, and it is a sequel of sorts. Now 91 years old, Gretel reflects upon her past as the daughter of a Nazi concentration camp commandant, and all the secrets she's been carrying for a lifetime.Themes of guilt, complicity, and atonement abound.

5.0 out of 5 stars Keep reading a it builds and builds

C. · August 23, 2025

The book started out somewhat and took me a few chapters to get the grasp of it. Gretel 's life alternating from chapter to chapter keeps building to a point that fills you with sadness, lost loves, tragedies and horror. The ending is a surprise. Well written with personal prospectives of WW2 Germany and the terrible tragedies family's faced

Excelente

D. · April 25, 2025

John te matinee en suspenso y como alterna epocas de la vida te mantle pesado alLibro. Lo termine en 5 dias, no lo podia soltar. Me gusto muchísimo.

An amazing read

K.g. · June 18, 2025

An amazing read. The switch between the past and the present is what keeps you hooked from the start and at the end everything makes soo much sense.The emotions have been captured perfectly.

10/10

I. · May 27, 2025

Una HISTORIA de principio a fin. Se la recomendaría a cualquiera

Fascinating Sequel.

S. · August 25, 2024

All the Broken Places is a sequel to John Boyne's "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas". The Boy.... was, I thought, ridiculous, because anyone who understands Auschwitz knows beyond doubt that what happened in that first book would have been absolutely impossible. No-one could sit somewhere unmolested, let alone lift the bottom wires of a fence to allow in a visiting friend. That first book was seen by me as an exercise in ignorance and money-making. "All the Broken Places" is, however, completely different. It is totally absorbing and impossible to put down. Simply, it is the story of "the boy's" sister and mother post-war. It eventually takes us into his sister's life as she ages, living in England, her great fear being that her true identity and history will be uncovered and revealed. The story is tense, exciting, psychologically astute, and impossible to forget. I loved this book and recommend it to all those who enjoy literary fiction. Five stars.

Amazing book about the holocaust

P.F. · August 1, 2025

I have read many books about WW2 but none from the perspective of a German girl and her Nazi father in charge of a concentration camp. Her experiences after the war impressed on me the various emotions she felt. This book keeps you enthralled to the very end. Loved it!!!

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More from this brand

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