Scan barcode
A review by pocketsized_pageturner
The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
5.0
I will admit that I chose this book (via Book of the Month) because there had been such positive feedback. I didn't have a clue as to what the story was going to be.
We follow Cyril Avery, a gay Irishman, as he navigates through life. Told from Cyril's perspective we follow the events of his life, starting a few months before he is born to just before his death. And while Cyril's life is not an easy one, at times a very unhappy one, it is a life that is well lived.
This book is difficult to read at times and I found myself wanting to reach through the pages to help in any way I could. Cyril's story is so different from my own - but I found myself (and continue to find myself) so invested in his journey. The trials that he faced, are ones that I will not face - but are so similar to real experiences that happen, it is impossible not to be touched and moved and angry and happy in how Cyril moves through life.
The people who come in and out of Cyril's life are some of my most favorite characters ever written. They were complex and dynamic and sometimes you want to shake them or hug them or punch them in the face - but I enjoyed that I got to meet them and see how they shaped Cyril.
It is a testament to the beautiful writing of John Boyne - that he is able to capture this life so perfectly. That even in the darkest parts of the story, he can interject humor and love and silver linings. I found myself with tears in my eyes and at times I didn't know if it was because I was laughing or crying.
I couldn't put this book down. You don't always read books and feel different coming out the other side - but here I am... different than when I started. I loved this book. It is easily in the top 10 of books I have ever read.
We follow Cyril Avery, a gay Irishman, as he navigates through life. Told from Cyril's perspective we follow the events of his life, starting a few months before he is born to just before his death. And while Cyril's life is not an easy one, at times a very unhappy one, it is a life that is well lived.
This book is difficult to read at times and I found myself wanting to reach through the pages to help in any way I could. Cyril's story is so different from my own - but I found myself (and continue to find myself) so invested in his journey. The trials that he faced, are ones that I will not face - but are so similar to real experiences that happen, it is impossible not to be touched and moved and angry and happy in how Cyril moves through life.
The people who come in and out of Cyril's life are some of my most favorite characters ever written. They were complex and dynamic and sometimes you want to shake them or hug them or punch them in the face - but I enjoyed that I got to meet them and see how they shaped Cyril.
It is a testament to the beautiful writing of John Boyne - that he is able to capture this life so perfectly. That even in the darkest parts of the story, he can interject humor and love and silver linings. I found myself with tears in my eyes and at times I didn't know if it was because I was laughing or crying.
I couldn't put this book down. You don't always read books and feel different coming out the other side - but here I am... different than when I started. I loved this book. It is easily in the top 10 of books I have ever read.