The Invisible Furies of the Heart

Cyril Avery is not a real Avery, at least his father never tires of reminding him. And he will never become a real one. But then who is he? Cyril's mother, still just a girl, was banished from her native Irish village when it was discovered that she was pregnant. Cyril was adopted by a wealthy and extremely eccentric couple from Dublin. He grew up in abundance, but profoundly lonely – until he met Julian, whimsical and extremely charming. Thus began Cyril's life-long story, filled with fortunes and disappointments, incredible coincidences and fateful deeds.

This will be a journey to oneself, to one’s identity, to one’s roots, even though they tried to reject him.

In John Boyne's new and most personal novel, a stunning panorama of life in Ireland from the mid-20th century to the present day is presented through the eyes of an ordinary person. It is a story about how the rage, jealousy, envy, and intolerance that torment a person and an entire country gradually subside, giving way to peace. A touching, ironic, and humorous novel about an era that can already be called gone.

Translator: Alexander Safronov