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The World According To Garp

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( 232,333 ratings, 7,050 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The World According to Garp follows the life of T.S. Garp, the illegitimate son of a feminist icon, as he navigates his unusual childhood, becomes a writer, and faces the complexities of family life. The novel explores themes of sexuality, parenthood, and the intricacies of human behaviour with wit and sensitivity.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy rich, character-driven stories with a blend of dark humour and profound emotional depth. It captures the complexities of life, love, and the pursuit of art through an eccentric and deeply engaging narrative.

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The World According To Garp

A masterpiece from one of the great contemporary American writers.
Anniversary edition with a new afterword from the author
'BRILLIANT' Cosmpolitan; 'ABSOLUTELY EXTRAORDINARY' L A Times

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An unforgettable journey through the highs and lows of life, The World According to Garp by John Irving follows the poignant and humorous story of T.S. Garp, a writer grappling with his place in a world filled with eccentric characters and unexpected events. Garp's life is intricately woven with that of his mother, Jenny Fields, a trailblazing feminist who challenges societal norms and raises her son with fierce independence.

Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century New England, the novel explores themes of identity, ambition, love, and loss. Each chapter delves deep into the complexities of human nature, reflecting Irving's masterful ability to create vivid, relatable characters whose stories resonate long after the last page is turned.

The World According to Garp is celebrated for its richly layered narrative, blending dark comedy with profound insights. This timeless classic has captured the hearts and minds of readers worldwide, earning its place as a seminal work in contemporary American literature. The anniversary edition features a new afterword from Irving, offering fresh perspectives on his much-loved novel.

"A wonderful novel, full of energy and art, at once funny and heartbreaking...terrific," declares the Washington Post. Readers will find themselves captivated by the book's intricate plot and unforgettable characters as they navigate through the joys and sorrows of Garp's world.

Cosmopolitan lauds the novel, stating, "A diamond sleeping in the dark, chipped out at last for our enrichment and delight...As approachable as it is brilliant." This statement encapsulates the essence of Irving's work, a treasure trove of literary brilliance waiting to be discovered.

The World According to Garp is a tour de force that established John Irving as one of the most imaginative writers of his generation. Its beautifully written, compassionate, and compelling narrative continues to resonate with readers, making it a must-read for anyone seeking an extraordinary literary experience.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The World According To Garp by John Irving is praised for its extraordinary storytelling, blending humour and heartbreak. It offers a brilliant exploration of modern attitudes towards various social issues and features characters that resonate deeply. The novel's unique mix of seriousness and playfulness, along with its remarkable energy, has earned it acclaim as a significant and enduring work.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781474614405

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 November 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 38.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 377g

Pages: 544

Customer Reviews

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K
Kevsta
Read for something different

Not your average book, a great story involving the complexities of life. Nice humour and characters.

About the Author

John Irving, the novelist and screenwriter, competed as a wrestler for twenty years. He was Kurt Vonnegut's student in the Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa, where Mr. Irving later taught. In 1980, he won a National Book Award for his novel The World According to Garp. In 2000, he won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Cider House Rules, which also won a Maggie Award from Planned Parenthood-in recognition of exceptional achievement in the area of reproductive rights. In 2012 and 2013, Mr. Irving won two Lambda Literary Awards: for Bisexual Fiction, for In One Person; also a Bridge Builder Award, for writing empathetically about the LGBTQ community. His novels have been translated into more than thirty-five languages.

John Irving lives in Toronto. He is at work on a fifteenth novel-a ghost story, titled Darkness as a Bride-and he's in the process of adapting The World According to Garp as a television miniseries.

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