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33 pages 1 hour read

Let the Great World Spin

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009

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Book Brief

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Colum McCann

Let the Great World Spin

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

375

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1970s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann interweaves the stories of diverse New Yorkers connected by a tightrope walk between the Twin Towers in 1974. It explores the lives of a priest, Corrigan, and his brother Ciaran; bereaved mothers, Claire and Gloria; a guilty crash driver, Lara; and others, culminating in the adopted daughter Jaslyn's reflections decades later. The book contains depictions of sex work, substance addiction, and suicide.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Mysterious

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

110,412 ratings

72%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Colum McCann's Let the Great World Spin receives praise for its lyrical prose and intricate narrative structure, which intertwines the lives of diverse characters against the backdrop of 1970s New York. Critics appreciate its emotional depth and social commentary, though some find the numerous plotlines occasionally disjointed. The novel's ambitious scope and rich storytelling make it a compelling read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Let the Great World Spin?

Readers who relish intricately woven narratives and multifaceted characters would savor Colum McCann's Let the Great World Spin. Fans of Don DeLillo's Underworld or Jonathan Safran Foer's Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close will find themselves captivated by its exploration of interconnected lives against the backdrop of 1970s New York City.

4.1

110,412 ratings

72%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

John Andrew Corrigan

An Irish Catholic whose life is deeply influenced by his religious beliefs. He is dedicated to serving the poor both in Ireland and New York, and struggles personally with his vow of chastity.

Corrigan’s older brother who visits him in New York and is startled by his brother's lifestyle. He seeks stability and forms a relationship with Lara during the story.

An immigrant from Central America who works as a nurse in New York. She is deeply connected to her children and dreams of a future with Corrigan.

A character who represents the trope of the whore-with-a-heart-of-gold and faces numerous challenges related to poverty and her profession. Her strength in protecting her family is a defining trait.

Tillie’s daughter, caught in difficult socio-economic circumstances as a young mother. Her plight raises questions about cycles of poverty and discrimination.

A well-to-do woman from the Upper East Side, grappling with the loss of her son. Her interactions reveal more depth than her privileged status might initially suggest.

Claire’s husband and a judge whose critical decisions in the story reflect the complexity of justice. He is portrayed with less depth and more as a representation of privilege and power.

A resilient woman who, despite personal losses, opens her heart and home to Jazzlyn’s daughters. Her role highlights themes of bravery and maternal care.

An artist living an unconventional lifestyle who becomes involved in a tragic accident. Her journey includes grappling with guilt and eventually forming a relationship with Ciaran.

Jazzlyn's daughter who becomes a successful professional woman. Her character exemplifies the breaking of a poverty cycle and the impact of changing societal values.

Book Details
Pages

375

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1970s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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