TransAtlantic by Colum McCann - 4 stars (BWF)

[Joy D]

TransAtlantic by Colum McCann - 4* - My Review

TransAtlantic is a character-driven novel that weaves together three narratives spanning 150 years of Irish and American history. It is told in three parts. Part One starts with seemingly separate stories involving a crossing of the Atlantic. It features real historic events and people. Frederick Douglass visits Ireland during the Potato Famine (1845), John Alcock and Arthur Brown complete the first non-stop transatlantic flight (1919), and Senator George Mitchell travels to Northern Ireland to help with the peace process (1998) that resulted in the Good Friday Agreement. Part Two brings the three narratives together through four generations of fictional women whose lives are affected by these events. Part Three takes the story into present times (2011).

The first half of the book focuses on male historical figures, while the second half follows four generations of women. I particularly enjoyed the combination of physical journeys with crossings between past and present, fact and fiction, and public and private lives. McCann's prose is lyrical. The storyline demonstrates how individual lives can be shaped by historical forces and how personal choices can influence the course of history. I am a fan of McCann’s writing, and can also recommend: Apierogon, Dancer, and Let the Great World Spin.

PBT October BWF Extra T and tagged "travel" x20

[Joanne]

I know I did not read this one, but it sounds so very familiar with the real-life characters you mention. It must have been a different book, but I cannot find it on my shelves. I love a good Irish history, gald you enjoyed it.

[Booknblues]

Nice review and I liked being reminded of this book. I enjoy McCann as well. Of the books you mention, I have not read Dancer.

[Joy D]

Joanne wrote: "I know I did not read this one, but it sounds so very familiar with the real-life characters you mention. It must have been a different book, but I cannot find it on my shelves. I love a good Irish..."

Thanks, JoAnne.

[Joy D]

Booknblues wrote: "Nice review and I liked being reminded of this book. I enjoy McCann as well. Of the books you mention, I have not read Dancer."

Thanks, Dancer is historical fiction a about the life of Rudolf Nureyev. It's very well done.