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375
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1970s
2009
Adult
18+ years
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
110,412 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
110,412 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ciaran Corrigan
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.
Adelita
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.
Tillie Henderson
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.
Jazzlyn Henderson
Tillie’s daughter, caught in difficult socio-economic circumstances as a young mother. Her plight raises questions about cycles of poverty and discrimination.
Claire Soderberg
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.
Solomon Soderberg
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.
Gloria
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.
Lara
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.
Jaslyn
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.
375
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1970s
2009
Adult
18+ years
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