This Side of Brightness: A Journey Beneath the City’s Surface
When I first picked up Colum McCann’s This Side of Brightness, I was curious about the notion of resilience woven into the fabric of a city that pulses with life yet hides its shadows. I’ve always found New York City compelling—not just its towering skyscrapers and vibrant streets, but the stories and struggles that unfold beneath them. McCann, known for his richly layered narratives, brought to life the forgotten world of sandhogs—the brave souls who tunnel beneath the East River. What I found was more than just a story of men working with sweat and grit; it was a profound exploration of race, poverty, and the pursuit of redemption.
The novel unfolds across two timelines, interlacing the life of Nathan Walker, a sandhog from Georgia, and Treefrog, a homeless man enduring the frigid New York winters in a makeshift subway nest. McCann’s characters are brilliantly drawn—real and raw, their experiences echoing the harsh realities of life. Nathan’s determination and Treefrog’s internal monologues are laced with humor and tragedy, painting a portrait of struggle that is equally heartbreaking and uplifting.
What struck me most was McCann’s narrative style, which seamlessly shifts between bleakness and levity. His prose is like a well-tuned symphony that captures the cacophony of city life and the quiet desperation of its inhabitants. I was particularly moved by lines that encapsulate Treefrog’s heartbreaking existence—his methods of survival often serving as a poignant commentary on the human condition. The way Treefrog interacts with the world around him reminds us of our capacity for hope in the starkest of circumstances.
In reading this book, I often paused to absorb the beautiful yet painful truths McCann offers. There’s a gripping moment described in one review where DLS Jones mentions feeling “too enraptured to put it down but too depressed to continue.” I found myself feeling the same way—each page turn revealed shades of sorrow and resilience that I could hardly bear yet desperately wanted to understand.
McCann’s meticulous research and immersion into the lives of those he writes about add an authenticity that is both compelling and enlightening. His willingness to connect with individuals living on the fringes of society—whether sandhogs or subway dwellers—fosters an empathy that lingers long after the last page is turned. It reminds us just how fragile our paths can be.
If you’re searching for a book that challenges you to confront the complexities of humanity, This Side of Brightness is worth your time. It’s not merely a tale of survival but an exploration of relationships, family dynamics, and the lasting scars of history. For readers who enjoy deeply poignant stories that reveal both the darkness and light within, this novel stands out as a testament to the human spirit.
Ultimately, McCann has crafted a profound narrative that doesn’t just entertain—it encourages reflection on our own lives and the lives of those around us. As someone who found joy in its darkness, I can say this book will stay with me for a long time, inviting me to delve deeper into the lives lived just outside my own view.
You can find This Side of Brightness: A Novel here >>