Reviews - Let the Great World Spin

Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann

1.52k reviews for:

3 and a half. American Book Award winner by Colum McCann. Multiple perspectives from a diverse group of characters relate events that took place August 7, 1974, the day the French acrobat Philippe Petit tightrope walked between the twin towers of the World Trade Center. It's an ambitious attempt, and although McCann doesn't pull it off perfectly, it makes for very satisfying reading. My main complaint is a long section from the viewpoint of an aging, black hooker; it just made me uncomfortable. Admittedly, I'm really picky about cross-gender portrayals. They can be done well, but this one didn't work for me. Overall though, a worthwhile read.

bbing77's review against another edition

3.0

3.5

sir__watson's review against another edition

2.0

2.5 Stars

Is it odd to say a book feels like it is more for writers than readers? This book feels like a book for writers and that happens to not exactly be my cup of tea it seems.

evelynab's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

mmdavoli's review against another edition

4.0

Slow start but it picks up. The character's stories loosely interwove together in an interesting way. For awhile i wondered how it would all come together, but it does nicely. Worst person of the year award easily goes to Blaine...best person character is a tough call between Corrigan and Gloria.