Named Book of the Month Club’s Book of the Year, 2017Selected one of New York Times Readers’ Favorite Books of 2017Winner of the 2018 Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award From the beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Boy In the Striped Pajamas, a sweeping, heartfelt saga about the course of one man’s life, beginning and ending in post-war IrelandCyril Avery is not a real Avery — or at … Ireland
Cyril Avery is not a real Avery — or at least, that’s what his adoptive parents tell him. And he never will be. But if he isn’t a real Avery, then who is he?
Born out of wedlock to a teenage girl cast out from her rural Irish community and adopted by a well-to-do if eccentric Dublin couple via the intervention of a hunchbacked Redemptorist nun, Cyril is adrift in the world, anchored only tenuously by his heartfelt friendship with the infinitely more glamourous and dangerous Julian Woodbead. At the mercy of fortune and coincidence, he will spend a lifetime coming to know himself and where he came from – and over his many years, will struggle to discover an identity, a home, a country, and much more.
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.
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So much history related so compellingly – history of Ireland, the LGBT community, feminism and the author’s own struggle with his identity. Beautiful and vital.
A wonderful look at growing up gay in Ireland. Traces the changes of the character and the outside changes in Ireland. I’m not Irish or gay and I absolutely loved it. Great almost Dickensian characters.
I don’t know what took me so long to finally read this novel. Over the top originality with unforgettable characters and a sensitive subject matter the author handles with an honest approach I appreciated.
It was the most engaging novel I’ve read in years. Witty throughout, with laugh-out-loud moments. Like life, though, there is also heartbreak. The hero, Cyril, will stay in your mind, and in your heart, for a very long time. I’ve recommended this book to several people, all of whom loved it.
I loved this book from beginning to end! I couldn’t stop reading. I am reading it again and am discovering details I missed the first time. The author does a marvelous job telling Ceril’s story with so many wonderful supporting characters. Cannot say enough good things about this book! A must read for everyone!
Loved this book…did not expect to, but glad I read it….some great humor
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne is such an amazing book and I didn’t want it to end. We follow our character Cyril through various times of his life, starting when he is age 7 and ending when he is age 77. The book is broken up into parts, plus chapters within those parts. Another nice touch is that every so often the book would jump in 7 year increments. I loved this style and it was so great to follow 1 character throughout his life.
I was entirely unfamiliar with most of the cities this book spoke about, but it was quite fascinating to read a book set mostly overseas. The book starts set in Ireland and it was crazy to hear about how life used to be there. I can’t really imagine how much research Boyne had to put into this book. He is from Ireland, but I’m sure it was still a lot of work for such a thick book (plus it’s not just set in Ireland).
I have never before said this in a review but I am now, if I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. It is a complete and utter masterpiece and definitely lived up to all the hype for me. The Heart’s Invisible Furies sucks you in and doesn’t let you go.
This book explores many social stigmans, many of which are very disturbing. It speaks about AIDS and HIV, and also all the bigotry that was common for a very long time (and let’s face it, still is). This book is definitely full of triggers so just be aware of that. There is a good share of content that is disturbing to read, but also a lot of joy in these pages.
Characters. I enjoyed a lot of the characters in this book even though there were lots of terrible ones. There was incredible banter between a lot of them and it made the book for me. Cyril as a character was someone you would want to be your best friend. He was super sarcastic, smart, but also flawed as all humans are. There were so many funny parts in this book, and Boyne does a fantastic job of countering the sadness with happiness.
Final Thought: I frankly think everyone should read this book. It’s a thick one but it is so worth it! It made me laugh out loud constantly, and tugged at my heartstrings with the sadness it contains. I think it is just so well done, and it reads faster than you’d think it would. Highly recommend!
The Heart’s Invisible Furies in 3-ish words: Witty, Powerful & Absorbing
I am an insatiable reader. This story reaps every emotion.; funny, sad, shocking disgust, etc. The writing is clever and entertaining. I had a hard time “putting it down”.This is definitely one of the best books I have ever read.
I can’t remember when I’ve been so consumed by a book. Author John Boyne takes readers on a journey through one man’s life from conception to near death, and the front-row seat to history’s slowly shifting views of sexuality is both painful and hopeful. I belly laughed and sobbed in equal measure. My heart was held hostage. The Heart’s Invisible Furies is approximately 600 pages long (21+ hours via audio) and I couldn’t put it down. The author is a genius, and the audiobook performance is excellent. Please check it out.