Author of the New York Times best-selling novel The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is back with this latest captivating read. 

This novel is a serious contender for our favourite release of the year. John Boyne's tale of a man's life is both beautifully wry and heartbreakingly told. Dark, often cynical humour mixed with a hefty dose of historical context make this book feel revelatory and informative, without beating readers over the head with despair.

Despite its 500-plus page count, aficionados will read it in a weekend—it's that good. The plot? Let's just say the story starts with an ostracized, unmarried pregnant woman in rural (and very Catholic) Ireland and follows her son through events both tumultuous and coincidental, tragic and full of love.

It's swelling with humour, and unbelievably depressing, but you'll find your spirit redeemed thanks to resilient characters.

The Heart's Invisible Furies (Bond Street Books) by John Boyne, $35.

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