In One Person

Is Irvings World Too Good to be True? Well, yah, of course it is. Those of us who love his work generally love to be drawn into a world where everyone is interesting, creative, active and passionate. Its a gratifying vacation from the real world where people are often dull, not very bright or creative and who shuffle through life watching reality TV shows and doing daily work that offers no challenges. I dont know how he is able to create character after character in his many novels who I would love to get to know. It makes me think that Mr. Irving himself must be a wonderful, fascinating, kind and thoughtful guy but I know that can be a big mistake. Anyway, indulge yourself. Spend a little time in Irvings world and feel hopeful and refreshed.

There is a scene near the end of John Irving’s 2012 novel, In One Person, in which a character who is a writer is confronted:…I’ve read all your books and I know what you do—I mean, in your writing. You make all these sexual extremes seem normal—that is what you do. Like Gee, that girl, or whatever......more

John Irving is a unique force in contemporary fiction. He can be a brave and bold voice for fairness and common sense. The complexity of his plots is matched by the quirkiness of his characters. Sexual identity, with all its twists and permutations, would seem like a perfect fit for the Irving treat......more

In One Person by John Irving was a struggle, there were a few highlights of interest – fascination even, but most of it was dross. Shame really, as my previous two reads of his, Garp and Owen Meaney were terrific. This one centres around the life story of Billy, it’s a coming-of-age piece starting wi......more

As a graduate student I had a great interest in gender studies; I thought that domain was where both the most interesting fiction and scholarship was happening. Unfortunately while reading this novel, it seemed like it was intended a be political statement on gender studies filled with maxims about......more