Reviews

The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne

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gwen100101's review against another edition

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5.0

My favorite book

bookmarkedbybecky's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny informative sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

The Heart’s Invisible Furies is a sweeping lifetime saga about Cyril Avery, who's not really an Avery, according to his adoptive parents. This constant reminder sets the stage for Cyril's lifelong struggle to find his true identity and place in the world. He grapples with where he truly belongs as he searches for connections and meaning.

What I Loved:

✨Seven Year Stretches: I loved how Boyne structured the book with chapters spanning seven years, from 7 to 77. Each section provides a snapshot of Cyril's life and then focuses on the details. I felt like I was flipping through a photo album with him as he shared his stories. Such a clever way of storytelling!

✨Historical Elements: Irish Catholicism, IRA and terrorist attacks in Ireland, AIDS/HIV crisis - They offer context to Cryil's journey from living as a closeted gay man to facing open prejudice in both Ireland and the US. The book also sheds light on the lack of understanding about AIDS. Each section of the book provides insight into LGBTQIA history.

✨Surprisingly Funny: The book is filled with deadpan humor for such a gut-wrenching story, offering a nice balance to the heaviness. I especially enjoyed the banter between Alice and Cyril.

✨Narration: I paired the physical and audiobook. Stephan Hogan perfectly captures Cyril’s soul as he stumbles through life, trying to find human connections. Hogan also expertly delivers the dry and sometimes silly humor. You can't go wrong whether you pick the physical or audiobook. Bottom line: Just read it!

couellette922's review against another edition

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slow-paced

4.0

katiehopbooks's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

4.75

andy_tell's review

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dark emotional funny hopeful

5.0

rklewinski's review against another edition

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4.0

This book manifested the hearts invisible furies for me. I laughed, I cried, felt anger and disgust. It was horrific, funny, and touching all at once.

A little vulgar for my liking and hard to follow at times, so I’d probably give it closer to 3.5 stars.