Any Human Heart is the autobiography of a fictitious twentieth century literary character, Logan Mountstuart. Despite his rather dodgy name, this character grows up into a rather interesting man. It is especially his older life when he reflects upon disappointments and the overall value of his life does this book really catch fire - I found it to be most moving. Unfortunately all is not perfect. The author decided to "be cute" by having Logan Mountstuart be personal friends of famous twentieth century characters such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Hemingway, and Virginia Woolf. Some readers might find this to add extra spice to the story. I found it exploitative and totally unnecessary - the book is solid enough. At any rate this Forrest Gump-like diversions really dont spoil this fine book. Bottom line: a very worthy read. William Boyd is in fine form.
I loved this book! Any Human Heart is a real treasure to read, and totally ambitious in its scope. Following the trials and tribulations of Logan Mountstuart, it jumps through the twentieth century with lightening speed! We are witness to Logan from his early childhood in Montevideo, son of an English corned beef executive and his Uraguayan secretary, through his years at a Norfolk public school and Oxford, Mountstuart traces his haphazard development as a writer. Early and easy success is succeeded by a long half-century of mediocrity, disappointments and setbacks, both personal and professional, leading him to multiple failed marriages, internment, alcoholism and abject poverty. Yes - he isnt a particulary honorable character, but this is what makes Logan so appealing. Hes a flawed human being, like the rest of us, and he makes his fair share of mistakes in life. I loved this incredible backdrop of twentieth century life that Boyd has constructed around this character, the personalities that he meets on the way - Virginia Woolf, Edward and Mrs Simpson. And I loved the fact that the story spans so many continents - Europe, America, Africa etc. A great novel, and Im looking forward to picking up more of Boyds works. Michael
Boyd is undoubtedly one of our best living writers, and is my favorite writer of fiction. Any Human Heart is quite simply wonderful. Boyd has given us a completely believable diary of a complex, interesting, and flawed man, Logan Mountstuart, who lived through most of the 20th century. Mountstuarts life story is filled with highs and lows, loves, struggles, triumphs, intrigues, and most importantly a resilence of the heart. The story compels the reader to reflect about whats really important in life, as Mountstuart does more and more as the story unfolds. Mountstuarts life is told with great sensitivity and thoughtfulness. Mountstuart experiences many of the important events and changes of the 20th century, and this backdrop adds yet another interesting layer to the story. Boyds immense talent as a writer lies in his ability to produce great literature through a highly compelling and fascinating story, often with a historical backdrop. Other books by Boyd that are also terrific include The Blue Afternoon, An Ice Cream War, Brazzaville Beach, and The New Confessions.
