John Boyne was born in 1971 in Ireland. He has received two Irish Book Awards, the Bisto Book of the Year Award, and has been nominated for other international literary awards. His books have been translated into over 40 languages. He has written three novels which are set in early 20th century Ireland: The House on the Curragh (1996), The House by the Lake (1997), and The House By the Church (1998). All deal with themes such as violence, injustice, revenge, and redemption. They have been widely praised for their authenticity and detail regarding 19th-century life. Boyne has also written a series of children's books titled The Paperbacks. These stories focus on the adventures of a young boy named Andy Lewis who lives in Dublin with his parents and younger brother. They concern themselves with issues such as racism, religion, family love and loyalty, and personal responsibility. The first book in the series, The Paperboy (1995) has been adapted into a film starring Willem Dafoe and Mare Winningham. Additionally, Boyne has written a number of short story collections including: Bygone Days (1993), Nightingales (1994), The Living Daylights (1995), and A Nest of Ninnies (1996). Many of these stories have been made into films or television shows.