LoveReading Says
Using the much-interpreted legend of Theseus and the Minotaur – a journey full of dangers and threat, as well as a search for a father as a basis Coelho then weaves around it the story of Theo – also on a journey to find his father.
Each is off on a maze-like quest to find their roots, their inheritance with each facing dangers and problems along the way. Not only is this an intricate mix of two stories with echoes of each other, but in places is given over to the reader to control the story arc by choosing which way Theseus would respond, much in the way as the ‘pick your adventure’ stories do.
It is heartening to see some of the choices to Theseus age old problems - and note the better responses chosen. Both of our main characters face choices, dilemmas, doubts, difficulties, and danger on their journeys but each responds in the most effective way for themselves! There are countless different poetic forms exhibited here – a sestina is even explained in one of the poems as if it were a lesson in Theo’s school.
Our current Children’s Laureate has created another powerful, enthralling story in verse form. Kate Milner has supported these with beautiful black and white illustrations ranging from pieces that look as if they may be ancient Greek illustrations to wonderfully detailed modern depictions. Once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down!
Tricia Adams
Find This Book In
Joseph Coelho Press Reviews
Powerful, playful and poignant in equal parts, 'The Boy Lost in the Maze' skilfully interweaves the myth of Theseus with the modern coming-of-age story of Theo. Every word is carefully wrought in these astonishing narrative poems which reward reading, re-reading and reflection. - Jake Hope
An all-consuming tale of the quests of two boys told in verse... thanks to Coelho's mesmerising way with words and bold imagination, the two worlds are bridged effortlessly... Coelho allows each boy's life to complement the other while reminding us that the answers to the stories' central question - what is a man? - remain the same, in myth and modernity. - The Times - Children's Book of the Week
A gritty and innovative intertwining of Theseus and the Minotaur with a modern-day quest blends 20 chapters of dual narrative poetry with illustrator Kate Milner's abstract forms and revitalised Greek motifs. Personal, accessible and memorable, Theo's journey of self-discovery is highly relatable and will resonate. A landmark coming-of-age verse novel, The Boy Lost in the Maze is ideal to read and discuss with students in years 9-11. Highly recommended for KS4 libraries. -- Tom Tolkien - School Reading List - Fiction Book of the Month
This is an extraordinary read... Deeply poignant, the story feels incredibly personal as these boys face a labyrinth of emotions, navigating their lives whilst feeling adrift, seeking a connection, seeking themselves... Joseph's love of poetry shines through the work...his command of language, his power with words and his ability to speak directly to the heart of his readers combine to create a stunning work of great beauty, pathos and hope. It is unbelievably good! - Through The Bookshelf
The poetic nature of the text makes it a quick and accessible read which is likely to appeal to reluctant readers, particularly boys given the male-dominated storylines. Coelho's expertise as a performance poet is clear and the book would benefit from being read aloud in order to appreciate the poems' rhythm and pace. The Boy Lost in the Maze is a clever and original tale that makes for an impressive start to Coelho's tenure as Children's Laureate. -- Melanie Dillon - School Reading List
This is a spellbinding novel... addresses issues of identity, masculinity, and fatherhood. It has exciting interactive elements and includes choices for the reader to make, mirroring Theseus' journey though the Labyrinth. This is a book like no other and I can't wait for my son to be able to read it. -- Booksb4bedtime - via Instagram
The switching between Theo's study for his Theseus project and his search for his father is brilliant... And alongside this - as if this story weren't powerful enough - Theseus's battles with his own villains, Cercyon, Procrustes and the rest, form another strand of narrative and teach him more and more what manhood and sonship mean... It could work as a class read, but it has so much to puzzle and to treasure I would see it as a library acquisition, to be savoured on one's own... the reader will not be disappointed. - Just Imagine
The form of this book by Joseph Coelho threads the story into the heart of the matter, looks at who are the monsters, and who the heroes, shows how flawed adults can be and the power of myth to learn. It is a triumph. Rich with the humanity of the monsters we make. Rare. Beautiful. - Jackie Morris
Joseph Coelho is a poet with the rare talent of being able to write equally brilliantly for all ages. Have read a dozen of his books and The Boy Lost in the Maze stands with the very best of them. An intense read with powerful illustrations... it's a masterpiece. - Jon Biddle
A quick and interesting read and one that I would recommend for fans of Free Verse. -- @bookmadbarlow - via Instagram
Our current Children's Laureate has created another powerful, enthralling story in verse form. Kate Milner has supported these with beautiful black and white illustrations ranging from pieces that look as if they may be ancient Greek illustrations to wonderfully detailed modern depictions. Once you pick it up you won't want to put it down! - Love Reading For Kids
A powerful verse novel with stunning illustrations. - BookTrust: Books we love in October 2022
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