A review by melodierhae
Apeirogon: A Novel by Colum McCann

5.0

*I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

Sometimes you open a book, and at first you don't feel like you 'get' it. But there's a nagging feeling that you really should continue. And it becomes one of the books you think everyone should read in your life.

Aperiogon is a complex read. It requires a lot of background knowledge regarding the conflict in Palestine. I learned a LOT through reading this book and through searching the internet for context. It was absolutely worth that kind of effort though.

McCann's storytelling is nonlinear, and the breaks in story remind me of footnotes books (House of Leaves, An Abundance of Katherines, Crazy Rich Asians). I thought perhaps I might prefer the footnotes style, but as I read further, the format grew on me. It was often a welcome break in some of the grief.

Speaking of grief, wow, can McCann write about heartbreak from so many characters in such a diverse fashion. Rami and Bassam's lectures were so similar (the grief of a parent is deep and unique and still universal, especially within the context surrounding Smadar and Abir's deaths) but still heartbreaking in their own rights.

This book is important. It's timely. It's humanizing. And I will be recommending it to everyone I know.