Apeirogon: McCann dazzles with many-faceted exploration of Middle Eastern strife

The Irish writer’s latest work, containing no fewer than 1,001 chapters, is no ordinary novel

Colum McCann’s latest book is a bold statement of literary intent. Picture: Barry Cronin

FICTION

Apeirogon

By Colum McCann

Bloomsbury, €24

Five years ago, Colum McCann heard two stories that made him “burst out sobbing” in public, much to his embarrassment. These stories were that of two men, Rami and Bassan, one Israeli and one Palestinian.

Rami’s daughter, Smadar, was killed by a Palestinian suicide bomber in 1997, aged 13. Bassan’s daughter, Abir, having been struck in the back of the head by a Israeli rubber bullet, died in ...