"Let The Great World Spin" Book Review

“Let the Great World Spin,” a Novel of Masterfully Crafted Intricacies
Whether we choose to believe it or not, humans are inextricably linked in some form or another. Through common background, similar beliefs, knowing the same people, or simply grasping the basic understandings of human nature we all have something in common. Everything we do affects the world in some form or another. This premise is the foundation upon which Colum McCann’s newest novel, “Let the Great World Spin,” was created. Passion and eloquence are the words that can best describe the words of the novel itself; but the work is so much more. This novel takes a deeper look at the human condition; whether it is from the perspective of a hooker in the Bronx or a judge living on the Upper East Side. “Let the Great World Spin,” will capture your heart and hold it with intensity and profundity.
Set as the backdrop of the novel is the day on which Philippe Petit, a French high-wire artist, captured the attention of New York City, and crossed a cable set up between The World Trade Center twin towers. Though McCann never deliberately states his name, August 7, 1974 marked a day where a city in turmoil was brought together by a single oddity in the sky.
McCann follows several individuals all living in New York in the 1970’s. Each one, we come to learn, is dealing with love and loss in some form or another; these become the driving themes of the novel. McCann alternates between narrative styles throughout the text giving us personal accounts in first person and showing us character’s perspectives through authorial interpretation. The stylistic choice to switch between narrative styles only enhances the effect of the novel. The reader gets a unique tone and style from each character that is developed to put the reader on a more intimate level with both the characters and the essence of the novel. One example of this can be seen through the eyes of Tillie Henderson,, a woman whose story is revealed through her own eyes.
Tillie Henderson is possibly one of the most compelling characters in the novel. McCann portrays Tillie through a first person account of her downfall after she and her daughter are arrested. “I’m a fuck-up. That’s what I am. I took the rap and Jazzlyn paid the price. I am the mother and my daughter is no more. I only hope at the last minute that at least she was smiling. I’m a fuck-up like none you ever seen before.” She is dealing with the themes of loss, through losing her own daughter and not being able to see her grandchildren, and through the great love she has for those very same people. Just as we are all inextricably linked, so are the ideas of loss and love in each character we meet; one does not happen without the other.
Going off the idea that everything is intertwined it is safe to say that this book would probably had not been made possible if it were not for the tragic terrorist attacks on the very buildings McCann has his tightrope walker cross. For this reason, the book makes even a more remarkable impact as a 9/11 tribute from a historical perspective. Many would not initially see this novel as a 9/11 tribute but looking closer you can see it gives historical insight to not only the towers but the city as well. It speaks to the controversy, turmoil, and the magnanimous impact that the buildings of the World Trade Center had on New York City. It also gives light into one of the towers most memorable moments; allowing us to remember a time when its livelihood was no threatened.
“Let the Great World Spin,” is a novel that will speak to generations to come. It is a small look into one day of the greatest symbols of American spirit. One cannot read this novel without realizing the profound intricacies it portrays. Historical context, empowering characters, and vivid and passionate language intertwine to create a masterful work of literature that will become a part of literary history.
Random House
350 pages
Target Publication: The Boston Globe