37 pages • 1 hour read
Donal RyanThe Spinning Heart
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.