The Heart's Invisible Furies - John Boyne

I utterly adored John Boyne's novel, which pulled me in with its unpredictable plot, richly drawn characters, and a heart the size of Ireland herself. Not only was Boyne's dialogue laugh out loud hilarious, it felt entirely authentic, and pulled me into every scene.

“I’ve had nothing but a sandwich all day and I could devour a small Protestant if someone was to put a little gravy over his head.”

I very much enjoyed the exploration of religion, and morality, and their effects on people's lives across multiple generations - particularly the experience of being a woman, and that of being gay, in Ireland - both subjects to which I've never given much thought.

Both The Goldfinch and A Little Life came to mind while I was reading. All three books explore the effects of heartache and trauma on families and friendships through the lens of a sweeping generational tale. I'm learning that these are some of my favourite types of stories.

I did find some of the coincidences peppered through the plot stretched probability a little. Still, I was so invested in the characters that I was able to suspend disbelief, which is a testament to Boyne's engaging writing.

Something that particularly impressed me was Boyne's use of structure, scene, and half-scene. To keep a plot that spans over fifty years moving at the pace it did, while still keeping the reader invested and engaged in events past, present, and future is such an incredible achievement. I was in awe throughout.

I devoured the The Heart’s Invisible Furies in three sittings, and I couldn't recommend it more for the next time you have a quiet weekend to curl up in your favourite reading spot. But, a warning from me: make sure you have a box of tissues handy. You’re going to need them.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Like this post on Instagram here.

Follow @whatjamesread on Instagram.

Find me on Goodreads here.

Buy The Heart’s Invisible Furies on Apple Books or Amazon.