Apeirogon

Apeirogon by Colum McCann is a mesmerising and evocative novel that delves into the depths of human resilience and empathy amidst the backdrop of a deeply divided land. Rami Elhanan and Bassam Aramin reside in the vibrant, yet tumultuous city of Jerusalem, their lives paralleling yet separated by a longstanding conflict. One is Israeli, the other Palestinian. Despite their disparate backgrounds, both men share a harrowing commonality: they are fathers whose daughters were lost to the ongoing unrest. The grief that binds them serves as a powerful narrative force, weaving together their profound personal stories. By chance or perhaps fate, Rami and Bassam's paths cross, leading to a friendship forged in the crucible of shared sorrow. Through their conversations, they find a way to navigate their pain, breaking down the walls that have long divided their people. Their combined tales form a singular story, one imbued with the hope of healing and the transformative potential to inspire global change. Apeirogon is not just a novel but an intricate mosaic of interconnected stories, expertly interlaced through McCann's lyrical prose. The narrative structure reflects the novel's title, derived from a geometric shape with an infinite number of sides, symbolising the multifaceted nature of these men's lives and the world around them. A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE SHORTLISTED FOR THE DUBLIN LITERARY AWARD SHORTLISTED FOR THE PRIX FEMINA AND THE PRIX MEDICIS SHORTLISTED FOR THE GOLDSBORO BOOKS GLASS BELL AWARD WINNER OF THE PRIX DU MEILLEUR LIVRES ETRANGER WINNER OF THE 2020 NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARDS CHOSEN AS A BOOK OF 2020 BY THE SUNDAY TIMES, OBSERVER, GUARDIAN, i PAPER, FINANCIAL TIMES, NEW STATESMAN, SCOTSMAN, IRISH TIMES, BBC.COM, WATERSTONES.COM ‘A wondrous book. It left me hopeful; this is its gift’ Elizabeth Strout ‘An empathy engine ... It is, itself, an agent of change’ New York Times Book Review ‘A quite extraordinary novel’ Kamila Shamsie ‘The book goes anywhere and everywhere. It is a delirious and thrilling improvisation, a jazz solo spun out of that meeting... A spectacular structure of stories about everything’ Bryan Appleyard, Sunday Times McCann’s novel stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster understanding. The author’s hauntingly beautiful narrative invites readers to traverse beyond political boundaries and explore the shared humanity that exists within us all.