Book: Carry Me Down

"Carry Me Down" by M. J. Hyland is a deeply affecting novel set in 1970s Ireland, following the life of 11-year-old John Egan, a boy who believes he possesses a talent for detecting lies. John lives with his troubled parents in a small village, perpetually striving to make sense of his often confusing world. His physical growth is unusual, further complicating his desire for normalcy and acceptance. As tension mounts within his family due to financial difficulties and personal struggles, John's belief in his uncanny ability to discern falsehoods becomes both a burden and a beacon. Through John's perspective, Hyland offers a poignant exploration of childhood innocence, familial dysfunction, and the desperate yearning for stability and understanding. The narrative tenderly captures John's navigation through a world marked by uncertainty and unspoken truths, portraying his heart-wrenching journey toward maturity. With masterful prose, "Carry Me Down" unravels the complexities of honesty, trust, and the fragile human condition.