Reviews for the book have been generally positive. Theo Tait in The Guardian commended McCann's skill as a writer though expressed concern at the plot becoming unwieldy in light of the many themes and story strands present in the novel.[1] The Daily Express also commented favourably on the novel, in particular the novel's "lyrical and emotional power".[2]
It was included on the longlist for the 2013 Man Booker Prize.[3][4]
McCann discussed the novel on the BBC Radio 4 programme Bookclub in December 2015.[5]
