Boy in the World by Niall Williams

The story (from the blurb): J is a boy on the brink of adulthood. He discovers for the first time that his unknown father may still be alive and runs away from his small Irish village. His journey leads him to unpredictable dangers. J's upbringing by his remarkable grandfather had led him to trust the goodness of the world. But the events, some perplexing, some violent, he encounters on his journey, make him doubt his beliefs and his apparent ability to avert disaster for those he's with make him question his own identity.

My thoughts on this novel: Brilliantly written. It reads like a movie. Even though the language is descriptive, it is never boring. In my opinion, the story is magical because it is peppered with miracles (you could call them, coincidences) that give the unknowing J hope in times of despair.

Interesting quotes from this novel: 
"It's called Pascal's Gamble, or Wager. And it goes like this. If you don't know whether God exists or not, you can look at the best bet. If you live your life believing that he exists and you are wrong, you have lost nothing, but have lived a life of goodness. If you live your life believing that he does not exist and you are wrong, then in the end you would have to face him and the possibility of displeasure at the life you have led. So the best bet is to believe that he does. Because logically it's the best thing to do. You have the least to lose." -Bridget-

"Things do not stop although one person's heart breaks. Who even hears it?" -Master-