A wonderfully original first novel from an author who subsequently became a major literary talent. What Ryan shows superbly in this novel (and others such as The Thing About December) is an ability to inhabit faithfully the voice of each individual character, for them to talk authentically without it seeming contrived. The Spinning Heart is also a novel not afraid to take risks. The way each character comments on both their personal trauma and the country's broader trauma while lending perspective to the overall story – which centres on reluctant hero Bobby Mahon – is, in just the few pages they are allotted, is an impressive technique. I was reminded somewhat of Jon McGregor's Reservoir 13. At the centre of Ryan's novel is the collapse of the Irish housing market and then its impact on the economy in the late 2008-2009 period and what this did to a small community. The "spinning heart" of the title is a rusty red metal ornament on a gate. It serves as a symbol not only for national and community trauma but also neglect and decay. At the same time Ryan seems to point to the prospect for enduring hope and resilience too. Memorable.
By Donal Ryan