A Ladder to the Sky

by John Boyne

“There can be no discussion of morality when it comes to art. A writer must tell the story that captures his soul. Gore’s written about Aaron Burr, after all. And Lincoln. And the Emperor Julian.”

“Not particularly. I’ve had enough of America to last me ten lifetimes. It’s not the country it was. Occasionally I even find myself missing Nixon and, when things have reached that point, it’s time to wave good-bye.”

“When the gods wish to punish us, they answer our prayers.”

He was always there, was the problem. Hanging around. Needing food, toys or new clothes. Saying that it was time to go to school or to be picked up again. It was endless harassment. Maurice did his best to keep an even temper with the boy—he was just a child, after all, and he recognized that—but

What a douche

four dinner plates, two cups and a vase at the wall and they had all smashed into pieces that I would have to clear up later.

Dude get over yourself.

I think that’s highly unfair.

Of course.