I’m going to start this review with a serious confession – I requested this book by accident, without even having read the blurb so when it appeared on my shelf I was let’s say ambivalent at best about reading – thank goodness I didn’t realise how long it was (592 pages) before I put it on the spreadsheet that must be obeyed! Well this was the best mistake (and there are a few to choose from) in 2017!
For all that it’s hard to explain just why I loved it so much without giving away any more than the synopsis, so please bear with me while I alternately gush and mush this review.
The Heart’s Invisible Furies is the story of Cyril Avery’s life, from before he was born in 1945 until old age creeps in 2008 and a bonus piece beyond. Yes, I know that sounds like a saga, and it is, but not like any saga I have ever read. What it does have in common with that now unfashionable style is the depth of character that is gained by the sheer length of time covered, but John Boyne has decided that we will only catch up with our protagonist every seven years which means that the first time we meet him, he is a school boy living with his parents Charles and Maude in Ireland. But do not think that a seven-year old boy has nothing worth hearing, the scene is being set with an event that Cyril will carry forward with him and this characterises the beauty of the book; it might be a long book but nothing said ever feels like a filler, each part has either a meaning or its importance will become apparent later on.
I was drawn into the story right from the start with one of the most memorable openings I’ve read in a long while and although I didn’t have any preconceptions (that’s what happens if you choose a book with no more knowledge than the most famous book for children which the author had written) the style was far funnier than those absent preconceptions had anticipated.
But for all they never fought. Maude’s way of dealing with Charles was to treat him like an ottoman, of no use to anyone but worth having around.
That’s not to say this book is one big hoot, it definitely isn’t, to read it is to ride the highs and the lows of Cyril’s life with him as this shy, solitary schoolboy grows into a teenager and then to a man where he becomes a civil servant and beyond where he ventures out of Ireland.
The work itself was incredibly boring and my colleagues a little irritating, the engines of their days fuelled by personal and political gossip.
Sitting next to the vacuous and highly unfocused Miss Ambrosia
She generally had at least five men on the go, everyone from barmen to dancehall entrepreneurs, showjumpers to pretenders to the Russian throne, and had no shame in juggling them like some nymphomaniacal circus act.
The everyday scenes have imprinted themselves on my mind and I was soon willing things to work out for Cyril, because here we have a man who every time things seem to be working out, life has an uncanny knack of knocking him off his stride.
Of course just like in real life, some characters only appear for one of the seven year sections alongside Cyril, whilst some appear then fade into the background before reappearing, and some, sadly are with us for a few sections before disappearing completely. What never happens is that you are bored of any of the rich array of men and women who walk alongside Cyril.
And yet for all that this is a book which has something important to say, most obviously about Ireland and the position the church held, and the way they treated women and other sections of society, but along with the markers to show the passing of time, none of this is driven home in an unnecessarily heavy-handed way.
To bring this rambling and frankly unstructured review to a close, I will just say that I adored this book. I was deeply annoyed that I read it in the run up to Christmas, a time when it was necessary to put the book aside and engage with the three-dimensional people and do endless chores, all the time longing to get back to Cyril Avery and his tragedies and triumphs, the heart-breaking moments which are underpinned with its almost playful look at the absurdities of life.
I’d like to say a huge thank you to the publishers for providing me with a copy of The Heart’s Invisible Furies, allowing me to laugh and yes, sob, with Cyril Avery, this review is my thank you to them and of course the accomplished John Boyne. I just have to say if you read this book, and it is at a bargain price on kindle at this very moment, then do read the afterword by the author which is touching and heartfelt and explains where the inspiration for this book came from.
First Published UK: 17 February 2017
Publisher: Transworld
No of Pages: 592
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Thanks for this review. I had heard good things about this book so ordered a copy but was put off reading it by its size and cover (sorry, I know I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover…) I’m going to dive right in as soon as I finish my current read.
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I’m sure you won’t regret it and although it’s a long book, I really didn’t want it to end!
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This is my current read so when I’m done I’ll come back to your review. 🙂
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I just read it and it’s spoiler-free so no need to go back and read it. Great review! I can’t wait to get deeper into the book!
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Thank you, I do try really hard not to give spoiler anyway but part of the enjoyment I got from this book was going in blind so I was extra careful 😊
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I’ve had this on my wishlist for a while but your review – and the mention of the Kindle deal – has prompted me to actually purchase it. I’ll look forward to reading it (might have to try to work it into a reading challenge).
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That’s brilliant news Cathy, I hope you find a challenge to fit it into and that you enjoy it as much as I did.
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Can’t wait to read this one, I’m only postponing it because of the length!!
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I didn’t realise until the estimated reading time came up and I briefly considered putting it aside due to the time of year, so very glad I didn’t as I raced through it because it was so delightful 😊
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Thanks for letting me know it’s on Kindle offer – I just bought it.
JB is a great favourite of mine, I’ve read all his books apart from a recent children’s one. You should read The Absolutist, The Bounty, and The House of Special Purpose, they’re wonderful. Also The Thief of Time about a guy who never ages past 50-ish. Sounds daft, but it isn’t.
I’d like to add that he’s also a jolly nice chap. He used to have a Facebook personal page, to which he would add his fans, and he answered messages, too! And my sister happened upon him on a train, and he kindly let her take her picture with him. 🙂
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Thank you so much for the recommendations – I only read The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas earlier this year and definitely need to explore more of his work. I’m sure you will enjoy this one!
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Isn’t it brilliant? One of my two books of the year! Away to tell everyone else it’s on offer now.
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It absolutely blew me away Joanne – definitely one of my reads of the year too!
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Fantastic review! 😊
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You are too kind, I had no idea what to write within it giving anything away and yet trying to capture some of the book’s magic 😊
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Wow, Cleo, brilliant review! I’ve been putting this one off and off, and now suddenly I can’t wait to read it! For some reason it doesn’t sound at all like how I’d imagined – it sounds much more interesting and I love the quotes you’ve chosen! Sometimes the unexpected books are the best… 😀
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Thank you especially as I was doubtful about this review and sheer lack of time forced me to publish it. The humour took me by surprise the most particularly as it’s coupled with some real heart wrenching moments- to be honest there were so many quotes to choose from I gave up the highlighting early on.
Definitely a surprise (and accidental) find 😂
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You’ve certainly piqued my interest, Cleo. Sometimes you need a book to give you that extra “je ne sais quoi” and which stays with you long after you’ve finished reading it. Thanks for such an inspiring review.
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Thank you Wendy it was such an amazing read and Cyril Avery has a place in my heart.
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Fab review!
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Thank you Nicki 😊
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Thanks for the review. New one for me.
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This one does sound appealing, Cleo. And sometimes, when a book really is engrossing, the length doesn’t seem as, well, long. It sounds like a look at the times, as well as a look at one person’s life, and that’s fascinating, too. Glad you enjoyed it as well as you did.
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You are quite right Margot so although I was shocked when my kindle gave me a high estimated reading time in the end the book wasn’t long enough as I was reluctant to say goodbye to Cyril.
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So glad you enjoyed this one, it was my top pick of 2017! I’m really glad you highlighted some quotes, especially one from Maude about Charles…they did have some really quirky takes on life and each other.
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I really loved it and it’s one of my top reads of the year too – so many brilliant quotes to choose from even though I was being very careful not to reveal anything not included in the synopsis
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Wonderful review. I’d come across the title before, but didn’t know anything about the book itself. Sounds like such a good read — I’ll have to see if it’s there next time I’m at the library!
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I definitely recommend it Lisa so I hope your library has a copy.
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Wow! Now I have to add this one to my list. I’ve heard good things…and your review sealed the deal. The number of pages might have made me pause…but when a book grabs my interest, I don’t notice that minor detail. Thanks for sharing.
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I agree about the length of a book which is only ever a bonus if it keeps you engaged all the way through 😊
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Great review and thank goodness for mistakes! It was meant to be read by you 🙂
I wanted to read this book this year, but couldn’t fit it in so it’s going to be a priority in 2018.
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Haha it was indeed! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it – I’m almost jealous that you have the pleasure still to come, I can’t wait to hear what you think of it.
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Sounds amazing, will definitely look out for this book.
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You must 😉
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This book sounds amazing! I really enjoyed reading your “rambling and unstructured” review.
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haha it was a bit of a jumble to say the least! The book however is much better than my review!
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Lovely review Cleo I bought this book after reading Renee’s review over at It’s Book Talk and I’m reading it very soon for sure after both of your reviews!!
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Thank you – this was a hard review to write as I was trying to conceal so much knowledge and personally thought it was a bit of a mess but just maybe my love shone through! It is wonderful read and I know you will love it!
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With you and another blogger I trust loving this so much I definitely must read it! It’s so hard to write about books you love sometimes, I have felt that myself many times! But you did a great job. 🙂
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What an accomplishment, I thought it was an incredible read and an ambitious feat, to take Cyril through all those life transitions, I’m so glad he did, and for us all to have a glimpse at the impact societal attitudes have on how a person perceives themselves and can live out their lives. I’m so glad you read it by accident and that it became one of your favourites of 2017. AS I mentioned on another post I bought a copy for my brother for Christmas and he’s just finished it and loved it, so I read the e-book at the same time and was totally riveted from the opening pages.
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