wonderful book, excellently narrated.

I thouroughly enjoyed this story, tragic and joyful all at the same time. the narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life. I'm sad it's over. thank you.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

a real beauty

I loved this book. it became part of my life, I was going home looking for Cyril, the main character, wondering what he would say in certain situations. a beautifully written story. the performance was so good, lovely voice, great animation, can't wait to hear it again in another performance.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

You are in for a treat!

‘The Heart’s Invisible Furies’ is the first book I've downloaded that I’ve felt like pressing start when I got to the end so I could begin it again. I LOVED it. The narration by Stephen Hogan is a joy and a perfect fit for this particular novel, which I came to by way of John Boyne’s 'Ladder to the Sky', a pastiche of the publishing world which was recommended to me by a fellow author. Having found that 'Ladder to the Sky' resonated, I explored Boyne’s backlist and saw this was if even more widely lauded so decided to give it a go. And wow, am I a glad I did. 'The Heart's Invisible Furies' is hugely ambitious – taking in several continents and pivotal historic events as it spans the end of the second world war to the present day – but, bound together by the life story Cyril Avery and a host of vividly drawn characters, it works a treat.

After opening with the sobering story of Cyril’s 16-year-old mother, the first half of the novel is laugh-aloud witty, then, as Cyril ages and becomes more self-aware, it becomes more thoughtful and poignant. We are introduced to Cyril as a little boy, whose adoptive parents, Maud and Charles, are painted with humour and affection, and his friend Julian, whose charm and beauty Cyril is magicked by. Thematically, Cyril’s sexuality and his Irish background make it a novel that primarily explores this internal conflict, but Boyne also creates many vibrant characters - women (hurrah!) and straight men, older people and children. A couple of characters I’d have liked to know better (Baastion, Cyril’s long-term partner, for instance) and the New York hospital chapters felt overlong. There are also a LOT of coincidental meetings, but this is nitpicking.

I’m nearly 20 years younger than Cyril Avery, didn’t grow up Ireland and am female, but still, I felt parts were ‘my story’ too; I’ve lived through the changing social mores of the 60s and 70s, the AIDS epidemic, changing attitudes to sexuality and family bonds, and like Cyril have f*cked up and got it wrong - and right - and felt myself good and bad along the way. I’m sure others will recognise parts of themselves too, maybe in different ways, and urge you to read or listen to this wonderful book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

An absorbing journey

A fascinating insight into living as a homosexual man in Ireland over 60 yrs and the bigotry, predjudice and lack of freedom faced. I didn't always like Cyril, at times found the dialogue irritatating and some of the characters extreme and more like caracatures, but running throughout there were some beautiful tales of love, families, loss and friendship. Other readers have criticised the unlikelyness of the coincidences, I found these added a welcome sense of magic, creating a thread throughout of love and connection between mother and son. I was hooked all the way through, was saddened to leave Cyril at the end but glad I live where and when I live.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Wonderful

I loved this story from the first word to the very last!
I’m actually sad that it’s ended.
It made me laugh and it made me cry!
It also had me sobbing.
The narrator did a great job through the whole story.
I can’t heap enough praise in this book.
I loved all the characters especially Cyril.
I will miss them.
Another great Irish story.
The parts concerning the Catholic Church and it’s treatment of the people is very sad.
I’m so glade we now live in a world that is so much more accepting of people’s sexuality what ever it may be but I do think there is still a way to go.
I am looking forward to reading/listening to more of John Boyne’s work.
Well done for writing such a sensitive story with plenty of wit and humour.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Beautiful, engaging, completely captivating.

Absolutely loved this book , didn't want not to end. I laughed and cried and was completely entralled until the last page. Best Irish book I've read in years.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Loved this

I loved everything about this. I feel I've brought a whole new raft of friends into my life. I wanted to find out what happens but didnt want it to end.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Superb story

Absolutely loved this story despite it being harrowing in places. It has some laugh out moments and some lovable characters in it and captures the bigotry in Ireland in the 20th century. Extremely well read which I believe enhances the story.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

An enlightenment book I'll never forget.

I picked this book not really knowing what it was about. I had read some reviews that had said it was "funny, couldn't put it down, emotional", but all of them an understatement. The detail of the story, I thought I was there and living through it all too. Emotional? I didn't know I had that many emotions. A very moving book and a book that makes you look within yourself, educates and gives you food for thought.
Hilariously funny laugh out loud as the narrator Stephen Hogan was absolutely amazing with the different voices was brilliant. I loved the main characters I was sorry the book ended.
Would I recommend this audible ..YES, I definitely would cuz I'll be listening to it again without a doubt.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Wonderful characters,

Quite harrowing at times, but a lot easier to listen to than I was expecting, really enjoyed it, great characters.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!