The Hearts Invisible Furies by John Boyne

This book was a 'top pick' from the Richard and Judy Book Club. Pushing that stigma gently to one side, it was chosen because of rave reviews from other local book groups and the generic marketing hype printed on the back of the book. Expectations were extremely high!

In a nutshell, no one was disappointed. It was an overwhelming success for the newly formed and mysterious, Incognito Book Bloggers. Read from cover to cover, no shirking or dipping out half way through. It was unanimously agreed that this was a stand out read.
The book represents a ....Who am I?, What am I? coming of age, hero worshipping, coming out novel. Its set against the back drop of an Ireland still trapped under the chains of the Catholic Church, an unfortunate time to be homosexual or unmarried and pregnant. The story is well written with lots of mini tragedies, peppered with sadness and humour in equal measure. A life's lesson showing the prejudices of the time paired with an educational theme of Irish history from the post war period up to the present day.

Cyril Avery will not be forgotten for quite a while. We loved the story, the characters were well drawn and true to their era and the excellent use of show don't tell brought out the dry humour of the book. Poor Cyril was a weak character being carried along by stronger personalities around him. He desperately tries to discover his identity in an Ireland steeped in Catholic guilt. As with all good novels the story comes full circle.

Our next selection has a lot to live up to!
Can Gill Sims keep us entertained over the Christmas period with her best seller....
'Why Mummy Drinks'