Book Review:: The Heart of Everything | Marc Levy

The Heart of Everything is a magical tale of fathers and sons and the intricacies of families.

The Heart of Everything by Marc Levy Book Cover

Thomas’s father passed away five years ago, but he still thinks of him at every concert he plays in as a professional pianist. But when he sees his ghost, literally, in the crowd one day, he cannot believe his eyes. And when he sees him again in the dressing room afterward, he cannot believe his request.

This novel is a testament of the complexity of the human animal, but not in a deep, philosophical, brooding, way — it is packaged in a deeply moving, farewell adventure between a boy and the ghost of his dead father. There is a clear goal, and plenty to thwart the achievement of it, and the heart lives in the spaces in between.

I cannot overstate the importance of reading this as an audiobook. Simon Mattacks is incredible. The accents, the tone, the pace of it all was just — impeccable. I will remember this and it will certainly sway me toward any title with his name on it!

Everyone should read this book. I can’t think of a single fault. It’s concise, heartful, expressive, thoughtful, hopeful, and somehow melodic, in its own way. It’s lovely.

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: The Heart of Everything
Author:: Marc Levy (translated from French by Maren Baudet-Lackner)
Genre:: General Fiction
Publisher:: Brilliance Audio / Amazon Crossing
Length:: 208 pages
Published::January 1st, 2026
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars