One sentence summary:
Let the Great World Spin: A Novel by Colum McCann is a powerfully poignant and beautifully written tale of intertwining lives set in New York City in the 1970s.
Book genre:
Fiction
Main topic of the book:
The book explores the impact of a singular event on the lives of multiple characters living in New York City during the 1970s and how their stories intersect and connect.
Key ideas:
- The interconnectedness of people and events, even in a city as hectic and sprawling as New York City.
- The ripple effect of a single event on various individuals and communities.
- The resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of tragedy and adversity.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Prologue: The book begins with an account of Philippe Petit, a high wire artist who walks between the Twin Towers in 1974 and captures the attention of the entire city.
- Book One: All Respects: We are introduced to the main characters, including a group of grieving mothers, a prostitute, a judge, and a young Irish monk, each struggling through their own personal turmoil.
- Book Two: All Temperaments: The characters’ stories become further intertwined as they face new challenges and revelations.
- Book Three: All Purposes: The book reaches its climax as the characters gather in the aftermath of a tragic event, forcing them to confront their own truths and find unexpected connections to one another.
- Epilogue: The epilogue revisits some characters and provides a glimpse into their post-conflict lives, showing the enduring effects of the events they experienced.
Key takeaways:
- A single event can have far-reaching effects and impact the lives of seemingly unconnected individuals.
- Connection and empathy are powerful forces that can bring people together in times of crisis and help them overcome their struggles.
- People are resilient and capable of finding strength and hope in the most unexpected places.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Colum McCann is an Irish author who grew up in Dublin and now lives in New York City. He is the author of seven novels, including Let the Great World Spin, which won the National Book Award for Fiction in 2009. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his writing, including the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and the Pushcart Prize. McCann is also a professor at Hunter College in New York City, where he teaches creative writing.
Target audience:
Let the Great World Spin is a suitable read for a wide range of audiences, including those interested in literary fiction, historical fiction, and New York City. Its themes of human connection and resilience make it a poignant and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in exploring the human experience.
Publisher and first publication date:
Published by Random House in 2009.