July 2011: Let the Great World Spin (McCann)

Post date: Jul 20, 2011 3:50:1 PM

Thank you to Ros, who hosted a group of nine on Tuesday, July 19, and to Jane who compiled this report:

In July, the Smith Book Club read Let the World Spin by Colum McCann.

We had a lively discussion as always!

Several readers commented on the complexity of the book’s structure, with an implicit metaphor of precarious balance reflected in both the non-fiction high wire act that is part of the story and the high intensity, complex lives of the many diverse characters. The book is set in New York City, and former New Yorkers particularly enjoyed it.

Some of us enjoyed the dense quality of the writing; others found it too harsh. We agreed it had a staccato quality. The characters interested us, with the priest Corrigan, his nurse girlfriend, the telephone hackers, and the judge and his wife being particularly interesting to us. Some characters made brief appearances and we were frustrated that just as we got to know them, they left the book. There were so many characters several of us went back and reread to mentally tie together the parts of the book.

We discussed the very restricting impact of Corrigan’s Catholic upbringing on his ability to take care of himself and his romantic life and moved on to discuss ways in which religion can restrict lives. We also talked about Catholic street ministry in the 1970’s.

Overall, most of us liked the book.

For those interested in Philippe Petit's tightrope walk, Sherrill recommends the 2008 documentary "Man on Wire", based on Petit's book, To Reach the Clouds (recently released in paperback with the new title Man on Wire). It provides a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes work done to prepare for and execute the walk.