Colum McCann's novel of lives intertwined is anchored by the 1974 tightrope walk between New York's Twin Towers by Philippe Petit. While the walk is a true historical event (in and of itself, mind-blowing), the lives of McCann's characters are fictional, while radiating such human truth that they could very well be people who actually existed. What is so beautiful about Mr. McCann's tale(s) is the distinct voice each character possesses. It's as if each has been penned by a different author, so believable are they. His story is one of human suffering, addiction, poverty, riches, religion, ambition - in short, a story of what drives each individual soul.
BOTTOM LINE: While the layout of the book (each chapter is a different character's story, essentially) lends itself to a bit slower reading, the overall narrative is compelling and has lingered with me since I finished.
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