Any Human Heart

William Boyd wrote and published Any Human Heart in 2002. It is a fictional autobiography that follows the eventful life of the protagonist, Logan Mountstuart, during the 20th century.

Boyd presents the narrative through Logan's journal, which Logan keeps throughout his life. The novel spans various periods and locations, offering a panoramic view of historical events. These events include World War I, the Spanish Civil War, World War II, and the Swinging Sixties.

Boyd portrays Logan as a complex and flawed character who experiences success, failure, love, and loss. He encounters a diverse array of people, including artists, writers, and political figures, who shape his life and provide insight into the cultural and social milieu of the time.

Vivid and immersive descriptions characterize Boyd's storytelling. These allow readers to experience the various settings and periods in which Logan finds himself. The novel explores themes of art, literature, love, and the search for meaning in a chaotic and ever-changing world.

Any Human Heart is an introspective work that delves into the complexities of joy, sorrow, and longing. Through Logan's reflections, the novel offers an exploration of the human condition and the impact of historical events on lives.

The journal style of the novel with its gaps reinforces the theme of the changing self in the novel. Many plot points simply fade away.

I liked it well enough to read Boyd's Love is Blind. I can recommend both without reservation.