Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann

Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann is book of multi-layered stories, each with it's own characters that make sense on their own and together as the book comes to a close. It's a harsh but beautiful book that digs into life honestly without shying away from the ugliness that exists, but also embracing the feelings and love accompanying it as well.

It seems to me this story could only be told in this way by an Irishman. It's wrought with gritty realism from beginning to end, with life lessons learned the hard way. The book begins in 1974 and characters include Irish brothers currently living in America, prostitutes, artists, grandmothers, mothers, sons, daughters, caretakers and the true account of Philippe Petit who walked a tightrope strung between the World Trade Center Twin Towers.

I can't fathom how an author creates a book filled with such gorgeous overlapping life which is saturated in every emotion you can imagine. The details of the time and people are amazing. The honest actions and reactions of all seem so true to form, McCann is even able to connect with his female characters accurately. I was blown away by this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read and get sucked in by words woven together by a master storyteller.

To get your own copy of People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, please buy from your local independent bookseller:
http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781400063734