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Cover of Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann

Let the Great World Spin

by Colum McCann

Approximately 349 pages

McCann weaves together diverse lives in a rich tapestry of human experience.

Difficulty

Moderate

Pace

Medium

Mood

interconnected, poignant

Book club

High

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Is this book for you?

Read this if you enjoy

  • stories with multiple viewpoints
  • you appreciate literary fiction
  • you like narratives about urban life

Consider another book if

  • you prefer linear storytelling
  • you dislike character-driven plots

What it is about

"Let the Great World Spin" is a novel set in New York City during the 1970s. It revolves around the event of Philippe Petit's tightrope walk between the Twin Towers. The narrative is woven through the lives of various characters, each with their own struggles and stories.

A group of Irish monks grapples with the complexities of faith and loss. A mother mourns her son, a victim of violence, and seeks solace in the city. A wealthy woman reflects on her life while attending a memorial for her son.

The lives of these characters intersect in unexpected ways, revealing connections across social divides. Themes of art, grief, and the search for meaning are explored throughout the novel. The city itself acts as a backdrop, influencing the characters' experiences.

Ultimately, the book examines the human condition amidst the chaos of urban life.

Award recognition

2009 winner

National Book Award for Fiction

United States · Fiction

View the winners list: NBA Fiction

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