Play Book Tag discussion

My first book of the month was The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne, 5 stars. I love, love, loved this book. So far though, it has kept me from fully enjoying any other books. Nothing else can come close. Sometimes I guess it's important to just slow down and savor the experience.

This book is a coming of age story, family drama, historical fiction, social commentary, and so much more. We learn what it was like to be a pregnant unmarried woman in Ireland in the 1940s, and a gay man growing up in the late 20th century. The story of Cyril Avery is nothing like my own life, but somehow it still felt very personal to me. He is far from perfect, but I won't easily forget him or the people in his life. I'm having difficulty describing the book, so I'll refer you to the gr blurb which does a very nice job.

We've discussed this author for a couple reasons this year, and we started the year with a buddy read of his book A Ladder to the Sky. I've read three John Boyne books, and this is my favorite by far. In terms of emotions, this one falls in the middle between the emotional tearjerker The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, and the clever urbane cynicism of A Ladder to the Sky. He doesn't go for the cheap sentimentality that he might have with this story. There are certainly opportunities for it, but he doesn't let us wallow in the most emotional scenes. For instance, we know from the first chapter that Cyril eventually meets his birth mother, but the author makes us wait for the reunion, and then cuts to a new chapter before we get the details. Most authors (and talk show hosts) would have wrung out every last sentimental tear from that reunion. I have to admit that I was looking forward to it too, but the way he handled it was more realistic and ultimately more satisfying.

If I were a better writer I might close the review like this (from the gr blurb):

"In this, Boyne's most transcendent work to date, we are shown the story of Ireland from the 1940s to today through the eyes of one ordinary man. The Heart's Invisible Furies is a novel to make you laugh and cry while reminding us all of the redemptive power of the human spirit."

I’m so glad you loved it Nancy. I felt the same about his other books. Nothing comes close!

I love seeing rave reviews for this book!

I can't wait to read this!

Meli wrote: "I can't wait to read this!"

Meli, you need to get to this now! I think you will love it!

I agree! I’m 100% sure you’ll love it Meli.

Books just keep piling up until I think they will crush me :P

This was a five star read for me too. I found it simply unforgettable. Just loved every word. Glad you enjoyed it too, Nancy!

Ooh, that does sound amazing - thank you for the lovely review.

I loved this, too. A few of his, this included, of course, made my favourites the years ive read them

Adored it. I’ve bought copies for several people!

I need to read this!!!

Meli wrote: "Books just keep piling up until I think they will crush me :P"

You love it!

KateNZ wrote: "Adored it. I’ve bought copies for several people!"

Me too Kate! It's the only book that I'm certain most people will love.