37 pages • 1 hour read
The Spinning Heart
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Book Brief
160
Novel • Fiction
Ireland • 2000s
2012
Transworld Ireland
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan, set in a small Irish village during an economic downturn, explores the repercussions of the collapse on the community, particularly after the disappearance of Pokey Burke, the once-thriving construction boss. Through 21 different viewpoints, the novel delves into themes of unemployment, grief, familial struggles, and societal disconnects, all interwoven around Bobby, a central figure seen variously as a moral pillar and a subject of controversy.
Gritty
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
11,666 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Donal Ryan’s The Spinning Heart earns acclaim for its poignant exploration of post-Celtic Tiger Ireland, with a compelling, polyphonic narrative that gives voice to varied, believable characters. Critics praise its lyrical prose and emotional depth, though some note its fragmented structure can be disorienting. Overall, it's a powerful depiction of contemporary Irish struggles.
Who Should Read The Spinning Heart?
The ideal reader for Donal Ryan's The Spinning Heart appreciates character-driven narratives set against contemporary issues. They would enjoy the multifaceted perspectives seen in works like Colum McCann's Let the Great World Spin and Roddy Doyle's The Commitments, valuing profound emotional and social exploration.
11,666 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Triona
Triona
Bobby’s loyal and exceptionally beautiful wife, who sees beneath his exterior and stands by him unwaveringly, with deep faith in his integrity.
Réaltín
Réaltín
A complex character perceived as flirtatious by the townspeople, dealing with personal grief and longing, while her desires for Bobby remain unreciprocated.
Seanie Shaper
Seanie Shaper
Bobby’s childhood friend and Dylan’s father, known as a charming playboy in the village who struggles with depression and desires meaningful connections.
Frank Mahon
Frank Mahon
Bobby’s father, known in town as a harsh and critical curmudgeon, whose difficult relationship with Bobby stems from his own unresolved childhood trauma.
The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan, published in 2012, won the inaugural Guardian First Book Award, showcasing the debut novel's powerful impact and Ryan's unique voice in contemporary literature.
The novel is notable for its structure, as it is told through twenty-one different first-person narratives, each providing a distinct perspective on the same series of events in a small Irish town.
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Donal Ryan wrote The Spinning Heart during evenings and weekends while he was working as a civil servant, highlighting his dedication to storytelling and his ability to balance writing with a full-time job.
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160
Novel • Fiction
Ireland • 2000s
2012
Transworld Ireland
Adult
18+ years
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