In 2014, Donal Ryan released a novel titled “Spinning Heart” in the United States, set against the backdrop of rural Ireland following the 2008 financial crisis. The narrative unfolds through a singular voice for each chapter, centering on the poignant figure of contractor Bobby Mahon.
Ryan’s latest installment, the intriguing sequel “Heart, Be at Peace,” stands strong on its own. It captures the transformations in Tipperary County over the ten years since the economic downturn, narrated by 21 local residents, with Bobby remaining central to the story, inclusive of those who have passed away.
Over time, he has thrived amidst a whirlwind of envy within “a kitchen the size of a soccer pitch” and boasts “a marble island where you can feed your army.” However, Bobby recently experienced a panic attack linked to some controversial photographs taken during a stag party in Amsterdam. He is also concerned about drug dealers lurking in town within a black-windowed car, posing a risk to children, including his own.
The other voice in the chorus is Lily. Identifying as a “witch by training,” she has tendencies toward prostitution. After settling in town, she learned magic from a Roman woman who “caught the roots” and married a local man. Lily adores her stunning granddaughter, Millicent, who has long legs, blue eyes, and “a glow like the sun on the waters of a lake.” They enjoy long walks in the meadows, gathering wild garlic, dock leaves, and sorrel, but recently, Millicent has become entranced by Aussie Penrose, a drug dealer’s mastermind.
Bobby, Lily, Millicent, and others each provide unique perspectives on the town and its inhabitants, including newcomers from Eastern Europe. Together, they weave captivating tales of a community that is heart-wrenching, humorous, sometimes battered but ultimately resilient, reflecting the best and worst of humanity.
The book concludes with a monologue from Bobby’s wise and kind wife, Triona, who is perplexed by the unfolding drama of the previous chapter. “There’s more to that story, there’s more, but they’ll be told elsewhere.” If her intuition is correct, Ryan likely already has plans for the trilogy’s third part. What a treasure for readers everywhere.
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Source: apnews.com