The Last Chairlift

John Irving, one of the world’s greatest novelists, returns with his first novel in seven years — a ghost story, a love story, and a lifetime of sexual politics.

In Aspen, Colorado, in 1941, Rachel Brewster is a slalom skier competing in the National Downhill and Slalom Championships. Known affectionately as Little Ray, she may not finish near the podium, but she leaves with something far more consequential — a pregnancy. Returning to her roots in New England, Little Ray embraces a new life as a ski instructor, but her journey is only beginning.

Her son, Adam, grows up amidst a family that defies traditional conventions and keeps its tumultuous past shrouded in mystery. As Adam matures, his curiosity about his origins intensifies, leading him back to Aspen to uncover the truths that have long eluded him. It is in the historic Hotel Jerome, the very place where he was conceived, that Adam encounters spectral presences. These ghosts, woven intricately into the fabric of his family’s story, are neither the first nor the last he will see in The Last Chairlift.

John Irving has etched his name in literary history with some of the most celebrated works of our time, including The World According to Garp and The Cider House Rules. Known for his visionary voice on the subject of sexual tolerance and his portrayal of unconventional families, Irving once again captivates readers with The Last Chairlift. Here, he crafts a poignant narrative that explores the complexities of identity, the enduring impact of our pasts, and the ghosts that linger in our lives, both metaphorically and literally.

With masterful storytelling and a deeply empathetic touch, Irving invites readers back into his world, holding them spellbound as they navigate the intricate labyrinth of his characters' lives. The Last Chairlift promises to be a profound literary journey, filled with heart, mystery, and the unmistakable mark of Irving's genius.