Books by John Irving
“Last Night in Twisted River, Irving’s twelfth novel, depicts the United States as a world ‘where lethal hatreds were generally permitted to run their course.’ I find this theme so apposite for the times in which those United States now find themselves. Aside being his most meta novel, it’s also probably his most prescient one as it charts America’s descent into post-imperialism. The book is a massive accomplishment of a master novelist at the peak of his powers.” Read more...
Mike Downey, Film Director
The World According to Garp
by John Irving
This was given to me by a schoolfriend who told me that the character, Garp, really reminded her of me. I wasn’t quite sure what to make of that once I’d read it, but I could relate to this guy. I’d like to think I have an easy-going outlook on life – you don’t have to agree – and I was brought up by a single mum and I think John Irving is very much on the side of women.
Interviews where books by John Irving were recommended
The best books on Enduring Love, recommended by Riz Khan
Television presenter Riz Khan chooses books on enduring love. Wuthering Heights, Remains of the Day, John Irving and Julian Barnes all make the list
The Best Historical Thrillers, recommended by Mike Downey
A historical thriller should be both well researched and tightly plotted, explains Mike Downey—the filmmaker and author of Istria Black, a fast-paced novel set partly among war criminals in postwar Argentina. Here, Downey recommends five gripping books so dense with atmosphere and action you won’t be able to put them down.
