Zoli

McCann's novel is loosely based on the life of Romani poet Papsuza (1910-1987), with the titular character Zoli as the Romani singer, turned poet, set in Slovakia, either side of World War II.
McCann weaves a character with enough complexity and certainly enough interesting quirks. We jump around in time, there is a middle section of the book written in the view of Swann - an Englishman with a Slovakian father, who falls in love with Zoli. Then the Communists decide to use her as a postergirl for their resettlement policy.

The best parts of this novel are the descriptions of Romany culture and their interactions. It was not a surprise to read in the acknowledgements that McCann was heavily influenced by a book which iI read and enjoyed - Bury Me Standing by Isabel Fonseca.

Between 3 and 4 stars, but ultimately short of 4.