The Heart in Winter: A Novel BY Kevin Barry

Kevin Barry's eagerly anticipated novel transports readers to the harsh yet vibrant landscape of 1890s Montana, weaving a tale that blends savage humor with poignant romance.

Set against the backdrop of Butte, Montana, a city teeming with Irish immigrant workers and the allure of copper mines, we meet Tom Rourke. Tom is not just a poet and ballad-maker; he's also ensnared in a life of addiction and recklessness. His existence takes a drastic turn with the arrival of Polly Gillespie, newly married to the devout mine captain, Long Anthony Harrington. Their love ignites unexpectedly, prompting them to flee westward on a stolen horse, seeking refuge in the untamed wilderness of Montana and Idaho. Amid fleeting moments of idyllic romance, they are relentlessly pursued by a band of unhinged Cornish gunmen.

Barry's narrative is a blend of tragedy and farce, reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy infused with the irreverent spirit of Flann O'Brien. Every incident, concept, and sentence in the novel promises to inspire joy and contemplation. As Tom and Polly navigate the treacherous landscape, their decisions reverberate with consequences that will shape the rest of their lives. The looming specter of San Francisco offers a distant hope of safety and anonymity, contrasting sharply with their perilous journey.

In this lyrical and propulsive love story, Barry showcases his prowess as a master stylist and humorist, capturing the essence of human emotions with raw authenticity. Readers can expect an exploration of love's complexities against a rugged frontier, where passion collides with danger, and the pursuit of freedom intertwines with the shadows of the past.