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  • The Heart's Invisible Furies

  • Written by: John Boyne
  • Narrated by: Stephen Hogan
  • Length: 21 hrs and 19 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (405 ratings)

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The Heart's Invisible Furies

Written by: John Boyne
Narrated by: Stephen Hogan
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Publisher's Summary

From the beloved New York Times best-selling author of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, a sweeping, heartfelt saga about the course of one man's life, beginning and ending in postwar Ireland.

Cyril Avery is not a real Avery - or, at least, that's what his adoptive parents tell him. And he never will be. But if he isn't a real Avery, then who is he?

Born out of wedlock to a teenage girl cast out from her rural Irish community and adopted by a well-to-do if eccentric Dublin couple via the intervention of a hunchbacked Redemptorist nun, Cyril is adrift in the world, anchored only tenuously by his heartfelt friendship with the infinitely more glamorous and dangerous Julian Woodbead. At the mercy of fortune and coincidence, he will spend a lifetime coming to know himself and where he came from and - over his many years - will struggle to discover an identity, a home, a country, and much more.

In this, Boyne's most transcendent work to date, we are shown the story of Ireland from the 1940s to today through the eyes of one ordinary man. The Heart's Invisible Furies is a novel to make you laugh and cry while reminding us all of the redemptive power of the human spirit.

©2017 John Boyne (P)2017 Penguin Random House Canada
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ2S+
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What the critics say

"By turns whimsical and heartbreaking, Boyne's sprawling novel treads Dickensian territory across seven decades of Irish history, ending with a redemption for both a country and a native son." (People)

"Bleak, bittersweet, and Irish to the bone...explore[s] the relationship between Catholicism and patriarchy in midcentury Ireland and beyond." (O, The Oprah Magazine)

What listeners say about The Heart's Invisible Furies

Average Customer Ratings
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5 Stars

Absolutely loved this book. It had me laughing constantly. The narrator was phenomenal. 5 stars.

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Great epic tale

I truly enjoyed this book. Heartwarming and funny with an outstanding performance by Stephan Hogan. His different voices for the characters were so great, particularly for Mary Margret lol “that’s not my standard at all”

Highly recommend

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Great read!

This was a very engaging story! Well written and narrated! When I started the book, I was a bit concerned about how it would be to listen to a 21 hour story, but I was sorry when it ended. I would highly recommend this book.

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my favourite listen so far

loved it. The narration was excellent and the story line very touching and hit close to home for me. Very believable

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Worth the 20 hours

I purchased this title based on the reviews only and it did not disappoint. I found myself smiling as I listened, as the humour is subtle and witty. It is a full circle book, that leaves you satisfied at the end. I find myself missing the characters now that I am finished listening to it. They were a part of my daily commute to work! Narration was amazing, which earns it 5 stars.

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deserves 6 stars!!

OMG what an amazing book (not to mention amazing performance). its been a while since I've read a book that has moved me so much. This is a gem. Don't hesitate to spend a credit on it. You'll laugh out loud and maybe even she'd a sentimental tear or two. Am so glad I read this.

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Reads like a movie

I loved the narrator so much. He really made the story come alive. I didn't know much about this book before I started it. I enjoyed it immensely. I was moved, entertained, angered. I enjoyed stories that cover entire generations. And this story come together nicely. Did not disappoint!

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What a great book!

This is an excellent book from start to finish. The story offers insight into archaic, old school mentalities and the great strides made over the last few decades in regards to acceptance and tolerance. It is entertaining and enlightening; I didn’t want it to end.

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fantastic

I liked this book from start to finish very good story very touching in many places about the young man about all his connections and what happens when we keep secrets very fulfilling to the end brought tears to my eyes in a few places highly recommend this

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great narrator, lovely story

I read another review which said there are no villains and heros, just men and women doing their best... I agree, and this story does a great job putting that sentiment into words. Multi-dimensional characters, a long suffering hilarious bumbler of a gay boy growing up in Ireland in the 50’s. Also, the story of his mother, who was a ‘fallen woman’ and had to give him up for adoption. Did I mention what a fantastic narrator this had? Highly recommended.

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