John Boyne

John Boyne

He has a fetish for notepads and fountain pens, an ‘ego room’ full of his own books (in numerous languages), and is astounded at the levels of hatred and vitriol on social media. John Boyne is one of Ireland’s most treasured writers. I first came across his work in 2006 when I, along with millions of others, read The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, the biggest selling novel by an Irish writer since records began.

Imagine my bewilderment when John became the victim of a nasty, vicious pile-on from trans activists, sparked by a very warm, compassionate novel, My Brother’s Name is Jessica. Narrated by 12-year-old boy, Sam, who has always looked up to and adored his older brother, Jason, he is dumbfounded when, at the end of the opening chapter, Jason reveals to his family that he believes he has been born into the wrong body. The novel explores Sam’s journey to both understanding the subject and accepting his brother’s transgender identity.

The book that caused the kerfuffle

The book (well, John himself) came in for harsh criticism and trashing, from the usual suspects, for the heinous crimes of ‘deadnaming’ and misgendering. And when John wrote a piece for the Irish Times on why he rejects the word ‘cis’, all hell broke loose.

I couldn’t resist posting this. Indulge me.

In our conversation, which took place in my kitchen in north London (I can’t tell you what a joy it was to properly meet this man) we discuss this saga, but also, much, much more. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed the interview.

At the world premiere of "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas", with director Mark Herman