{"title":"John Irving","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Irving\u003c\/strong\u003e crafts richly detailed narratives that blend humour, tragedy, and complex characters. His stories often explore themes of identity, family, and resilience, with a distinctive voice that is both tender and incisive. Readers encounter memorable, deeply human journeys that linger long after the final page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom poignant examinations of love and loss to quirky, unpredictable plots, Irving’s work is celebrated for its emotional depth and vivid storytelling. Whether delving into past secrets or unfolding dramatic twists, his novels offer a compelling exploration of the human condition within the realm of \u003cem\u003egeneral fiction\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"a-prayer-for-owen-meany","title":"A Prayer For Owen Meany","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Prayer for Owen Meany\u003c\/em\u003e by John Irving is a compelling narrative that melds humour, tragedy, and faith into an unforgettable story. Set in the small-town backdrop of Gravesend, New Hampshire, the novel begins in the summer of 1953. Eleven-year-old John Wheelwright and his best friend, the diminutive yet brilliant Owen Meany, are playing in a Little League baseball game. A seemingly mundane event takes a tragic turn when Owen hits a foul ball that strikes and kills John’s mother, changing the course of their lives forever.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the incident is dismissed as a tragic accident by others, Owen believes he is an instrument of God, sent to Earth with a divine purpose. As the boys transition into adulthood amid the turbulent times of the Vietnam War, a series of extraordinary events appear to corroborate Owen’s convictions. His unwavering faith and peculiarities bring both comic relief and profound introspection to those around him, making Owen one of literature’s most intriguing characters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith \u003cem\u003eA Prayer for Owen Meany\u003c\/em\u003e, John Irving crafts a story that is marvellously funny yet deeply poignant. This novel delves into themes of destiny, faith, and friendship, engaging readers with its richly drawn characters and intricate plotlines. The narrative is imbued with Irving’s characteristic wit and a keen sense of the human condition, making it not only entertaining but also profoundly moving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStephen King writes, “So extraordinary, so original, and so enriching,” praising the novel’s unique appeal. The \u003cem\u003eIndependent\u003c\/em\u003e calls it “a work of genius”, while the \u003cem\u003eObserver\u003c\/em\u003e suggests it “may justly join the classic American list”. The \u003cem\u003eSpectator\u003c\/em\u003e notes it is “marvellously funny”, emphasizing the rare balance between serious themes and light-hearted moments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are fortunate enough to find a way of life you love, you must muster the courage to live it—this is the core message of \u003cem\u003eA Prayer for Owen Meany\u003c\/em\u003e. Through a unforgettable journey marked by destiny and friendship, Irving's masterpiece invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the forces that shape their lives. Immerse yourself in this remarkable classic by the bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eThe World According to Garp\u003c\/em\u003e, and experience a narrative that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45657801261292,"sku":"9780552993692","price":28.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780552993692.jpg?v=1724844918"},{"product_id":"the-world-according-to-garp","title":"The World According To Garp","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn unforgettable journey through the highs and lows of life, \u003cem\u003eThe World According to Garp\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSet 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe World According to Garp\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"A wonderful novel, full of energy and art, at once funny and heartbreaking...terrific,\" declares the \u003cem\u003eWashington Post\u003c\/em\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCosmopolitan 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe World According to Garp\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45714428461292,"sku":"9781474614405","price":27.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781474614405.jpg?v=1726007479"},{"product_id":"avenue-of-mysteries","title":"Avenue of Mysteries","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eAvenue of Mysteries\u003c\/i\u003e, the latest novel by the internationally acclaimed author John Irving, is a masterful blend of reality and magical realism, a poignant exploration of how our pasts continually shape our present and influence our futures. Set against a richly detailed backdrop, the story follows the life of Juan Diego Guerrero, a man haunted by his memories and guided by improbable journeys.\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs a youth growing up in Oaxaca, Mexico, Juan Diego's little sister, Lupe, possesses the uncanny ability to read minds. This talent is both a gift and a curse, creating an unbreakable bond between the siblings while exposing Juan Diego to the depths of his own psyche. As a street urchin, Juan Diego strives to navigate a world where secrecy is impossible and vulnerability is a part of everyday life. Lupe's enigmatic foresight puts an enormous burden on her, influencing not only her actions but also her brother's understanding of their intertwined fates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe narrative seamlessly transitions between the vibrant streets of Oaxaca and the quiet suburbs of Iowa, where an older Juan Diego grapples with his past. Now a successful writer, he is compelled to honour a childhood promise, a quest that is as much about self-discovery as it is about confronting unresolved memories. Irving's intricate storytelling reveals the internal struggles of a man caught between myth and reality, burdened by the knowledge that some events are beyond his control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn his signature style, Irving crafts an elaborate tapestry of characters whose lives intersect in unforeseen ways, bringing humour, heartbreak, and profound insights into the human condition. As Juan Diego travels through the Philippines, both dreams and recollections blur the lines between what is and what could be. His journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eAvenue of Mysteries\u003c\/i\u003e is more than just a story of familial bonds and personal quests; it is an exploration of fate, destiny, and how the echoes of our earliest experiences reverberate throughout our lives. John Irving's unparalleled narrative voice combines the mystical with the ordinary, leaving readers pondering the mystery of life's unpredictable path long after the final page is turned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45744928882924,"sku":"9780552778640","price":45.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780552778640.jpg?v=1726663493"},{"product_id":"in-one-person","title":"In One Person","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eIn One Person\u003c\/i\u003e is a masterful novel that weaves the complexities of sexual identity, desire, and secrecy through the life of Billy Abbott, a bisexual man coming of age in a small New England town. Spanning fifty years, the story captures the essence of Billy’s journey from adolescence to adulthood, blending humour and heartache in equal measure. From his teenage years, as he grapples with his attraction to both men and women, to his adulthood, where he navigates the intricate dynamics of love and loss, Billy’s narrative is both deeply personal and universally relatable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt its core, \u003ci\u003eIn One Person\u003c\/i\u003e is a poignant exploration of unfulfilled love. Billy recounts his life with a blend of tragicomic elements, embodying John Irving’s unique storytelling style. The novel is littered with memorable characters—theatre-loving friends, eccentric family members, and lovers across the gender spectrum—all of whom defy conventional categories and challenge societal norms. These characters bring richness and depth to Billy’s world, providing both comic relief and profound insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe novel delves into profound themes of self-discovery and acceptance. Billy’s status as a ‘sexual suspect’—a term coined by Irving himself—reflects the societal prejudices and misunderstandings faced by those who do not fit within binary definitions of sexuality. Through Billy’s eyes, readers are invited to consider the fluidity of sexual identity and the importance of embracing our differences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRegarded as John Irving’s most politically charged work since \u003ci\u003eThe Cider House Rules\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eA Prayer for Owen Meany\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eIn One Person\u003c\/i\u003e serves as a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for self-worth. The novel’s exploration of LGBTQ+ themes is handled with sensitivity and compassion, making it a landmark piece for its representation of bisexuality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUltimately, \u003ci\u003eIn One Person\u003c\/i\u003e is an intimate and unforgettable portrayal of a man’s solitary yet determined quest to understand himself and his place in the world. Through Billy Abbott’s life story, John Irving offers a celebration of sexual diversity and a heartfelt call to embrace the full spectrum of human identity. This novel is a testament to the power of empathy, inclusion, and the enduring need for personal authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45745496817900,"sku":"9780552778442","price":35.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780552778442.jpg?v=1726677445"},{"product_id":"last-night-in-twisted-river","title":"Last Night in Twisted River","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLast Night in Twisted River\u003c\/em\u003e, from the award-winning author of \u003cem\u003eA Prayer for Owen Meany\u003c\/em\u003e, tells a breathtaking and intricately woven story of a father and son navigating through the tumultuous landscape of 20th-century North America. Set against the backdrop of a logging and sawmill settlement in northern New Hampshire in 1954, the novel opens with a gripping incident where a twelve-year-old boy, Danny Baciagalupo, mistakes the local constable's girlfriend for a bear in the cookhouse. This tragic mistake forces Danny and his father, Dominic, to become fugitives, relentlessly pursued by the grieving and vengeful constable, Carl.\n\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Baciagalupo duo are not entirely alone in their plight as they find a steadfast ally in Ketchum, a fiercely libertarian logger and former river driver. Over the following decades, Ketchum proves to be more than just a protector; he becomes an unwavering friend and mentor as the father and son journey through the complexities and challenges of their new lives.\n\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe narrative of \u003cem\u003eLast Night in Twisted River\u003c\/em\u003e unfolds over five decades, meticulously illustrating the shifting social and political landscape of the United States. Through the detailed lives of its characters, the novel reflects on a world where 'lethal hatreds were generally permitted to run their course', examining the impact of violence, loss, and kinship with unflinching honesty.\n\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Irving's twelfth novel is distinguished by his characteristic masterful storytelling and unique voice. From the novel's taut opening sentence to its elegiac final chapter, Irving's prose evokes a profound sense of place and deeply textured character studies. He crafts an indelible portrait of human endurance, survival, and the indefatigable spirit that drives us forward despite the odds.\n\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLast Night in Twisted River\u003c\/em\u003e is not only a testament to Irving's virtuosity as a novelist but also a compelling exploration of the bonds between fathers and sons, the struggle for redemption, and the unpredictable path of life itself. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to Irving's work, this novel promises to be an unforgettable literary experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45745811783916,"sku":"9780552776578","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780552776578.jpg?v=1726680792"},{"product_id":"the-cider-house-rules","title":"The Cider House Rules","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eThe Cider House Rules\u003c\/i\u003e is a profound and moving masterpiece by John Irving, one of the great contemporary American writers. Set against the backdrop of rural Maine, it delves deeply into the life of Homer Wells, an unadopted orphan who becomes an integral part of St. Cloud’s orphanage.\n\n\u003cp\u003eHomer Wells's journey is both heart-wrenching and compelling. Growing up in the apple orchards surrounding St. Cloud’s, Homer returns to the orphanage numerous times due to failed foster homes, establishing his resolve to make St. Cloud’s his permanent residence. His story intertwines with that of Dr. Wilbur Larch, the founder of the orphanage - a compassionate man with an addiction to ether. Dr. Larch becomes a pivotal figure in Homer's life, more than a mentor, embodying the conflicting moralities and complexities of the era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom his early days assisting in the orphanage's surgery, Homer’s life expands into an apprenticeship under Dr. Larch’s guidance, learning the intricacies of medical procedures. This knowledge and experience set the stage for his later life, where he immerses himself in running a cider-making factory. Yet, as Homer transitions into adulthood, he grapples with complex relationships, particularly one with the wife of his closest friend, navigating loyalty, love, and the shadows of his upbringing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Cider House Rules\u003c\/i\u003e paints a rich, intricate portrait of life at the orphanage, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters. John Irving masterfully captures the nuances of human experience, drawing readers into a world where the choices made by individuals resonate deeply through their lives and those around them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe novel is not just a coming-of-age story, but also an exploration of the social mores and medical ethics of the time, making it a profound read that challenges and enlightens. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring bond between those who seek to make a difference in each other's lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45747255574764,"sku":"9780552992046","price":28.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780552992046.jpg?v=1726700843"},{"product_id":"the-fourth-hand","title":"The Fourth Hand","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Fourth Hand\u003c\/em\u003e by John Irving is a masterful work from one of America's greatest contemporary writers. This compelling novel weaves together the lives of four unforgettable characters, creating a tapestry of tragedy, hope, and unexpected connections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe story begins dramatically as Patrick Wallingford, a New York television journalist, travels to India to cover a sensational story. During the assignment, an unimaginable accident occurs: Wallingford's left hand is eaten by a lion, an event broadcasted live to millions of viewers around the world. This shocking incident sets the stage for a series of extraordinary events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn Boston, Dr Nicholas Zajac, a brilliant and renowned hand surgeon, eagerly anticipates the chance to make medical history by performing the first hand transplant in the United States. When he learns of Wallingford's plight, he sees an opportunity to push the boundaries of modern medicine. However, obtaining a suitable donor hand proves to be more complex and ethically challenging than he anticipated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEnter Doris Clausen, a married woman living in Wisconsin. She harbours an unusual desire: to donate her husband Otto's left hand to Wallingford, but only after Otto's natural demise. Her husband is healthy and relatively young, adding a layer of complexity to her wish. Doris's determination, though seemingly morbid, stems from a profound yearning to connect with Wallingford in a way that transcends the physical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs their lives intertwine, \u003cem\u003eThe Fourth Hand\u003c\/em\u003e delves into themes of identity, loss, and redemption. Irving's narrative is laced with dark humour, poignant moments, and thought-provoking reflections on human connections and the lengths to which people will go to fulfil their deepest desires.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Irving's novel is a testament to his storytelling prowess, blending the bizarre with the deeply human. With its unforgettable characters and intricately woven plot, \u003cem\u003eThe Fourth Hand\u003c\/em\u003e is a remarkable exploration of the unexpected ways in which lives intersect and transform.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45747405095148,"sku":"9780552771092","price":32.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780552771092.jpg?v=1726702278"},{"product_id":"the-hotel-new-hampshire","title":"The Hotel New Hampshire","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eThe Hotel New Hampshire\u003c\/i\u003e by John Irving is a captivating tale that masterfully blends humour and poignancy, defining the unique narrative journey of the Berry family. Set against a backdrop of peculiar and unpredictable experiences, the novel unfolds through the eyes of John Berry, who recounts the vivid and eccentric adventures of his family members.\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis novel starts with a dream harboured by John's father, Win Berry, who aspires to turn an abandoned girls' school in New Hampshire into a bustling hotel. Alongside his wife Mary and their five children, Win embarks on this unconventional endeavour. Each member of the Berry family is wonderfully quirky: Franny, the outspoken and fearless sister; Egg, the youngest with a peculiar attachment to his dog; Frank, the intelligent yet socially awkward son; and Lilly, the aspiring writer with an inseparable bond to her siblings. They live an extraordinary life, filled with bizarre encounters and surreal situations that intertwine their fate with a pet bear, recurring dreams, and a tragic past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Berry's narrative is both humorous and melancholic, capturing the essence of a family determined to 'keep passing the open windows' in the face of adversity. As hoteliers and pet-bear owners, the Berrys cross paths with an intriguing collection of characters, including a quirky Freud—an animal trainer rather than the famed psychoanalyst. The family's journey takes them from the rural settings of New Hampshire to the streets of Vienna, where they experience love, loss, and the profound impact of their father's dreams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIrving's novel is both outrageous and deeply moving, weaving themes of family loyalty, resilience, and the constant pursuit of dreams against the stark realities of life. With its richly developed characters and unexpected twists, \u003ci\u003eThe Hotel New Hampshire\u003c\/i\u003e explores the intricacies of human relationships and the surreal nature of existence, all while maintaining a deeply engaging narrative style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Irving's characteristic wit and narrative brilliance shine in this masterful work, as he deftly navigates between the comedic and the tragic, ultimately leaving readers with a story that is as unforgettable as the characters themselves. \u003ci\u003eThe Hotel New Hampshire\u003c\/i\u003e remains a significant contribution to contemporary American literature, cementing Irving's reputation as a storyteller of exceptional calibre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45747546063084,"sku":"9780552992091","price":28.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780552992091.jpg?v=1726703657"},{"product_id":"the-last-chairlift","title":"The Last Chairlift","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn Aspen, Colorado, in 1941, Rachel Brewster is a slalom skier at the National Downhill and Slalom Championships. Little Ray, as she is called, finishes nowhere near the podium, but she manages to get pregnant. Back home, in New England, Little Ray becomes a ski instructor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHer son, Adam, grows up in a family that defies conventions and evades questions concerning the eventful past. Years later, looking for answers, Adam will go to Aspen. In the Hotel Jerome, where he was conceived, Adam will meet some ghosts; in \u003cem\u003eThe Last Chairlift\u003c\/em\u003e, they aren’t the first or the last ghosts he sees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Irving has written some of the most acclaimed books of our time — among them, \u003cem\u003eThe World According to Garp\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Cider House Rules\u003c\/em\u003e. A visionary voice on the subject of sexual tolerance, Irving is a bard of alternative families. In \u003cem\u003eThe Last Chairlift\u003c\/em\u003e, readers will once more be in his thrall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45747594166508,"sku":"9781471179112","price":35.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781471179112.jpg?v=1726704165"},{"product_id":"the-last-chairlift-by-john-irving-9781471179082","title":"The Last Chairlift","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn Aspen, Colorado, in 1941, Rachel Brewster is a slalom skier at the National Downhill and Slalom Championships. 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This novel is an example, now rare, of the courage of imaginative ardor.”—\u003cem\u003eThe New York Times Book Review\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Good night!” he would call. “Good night—you princes of Maine, you kings of New England!”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHomer Wells grows up in a rural Maine orphanage under the tutelage of Dr. Wilbur Larch, a physician who both delivers babies and performs illegal abortions. Dr. Larch trains Homer in obstetrics and gynaecology, hoping the boy will follow in his footsteps. Yet Homer refuses, unwilling to conduct the procedures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHomer seizes the opportunity to leave the orphanage after meeting Wally and Candy, an attractive couple who come to Dr. Larch seeking an abortion. While working on the apple orchard owned by Wally’s parents, Homer falls in love and soon begins an illicit affair. 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The precursor of Irving’s later protest novels, it is the story of Jenny, an unmarried nurse who becomes a single mom and a feminist leader, beloved but polarizing—and of her son, Garp, less beloved but no less polarizing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the tragicomic tone of its first sentence to its mordantly funny last line—“we are all terminal cases”—\u003ci\u003eThe World According to Garp\u003c\/i\u003e maintains a breakneck pace. The subject of sexual hatred and violence—of intolerance of sexual minorities, and sexual differences—runs through the book, as relevant now as ever. 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