Has anyone read John Irving's latest?

[LauraMax]

Until I Find You, I think it's called. I'm about halfway through it & while it's keeping me interested, I'm finding it pretty sick & twisted.

Maybe someone can help me out here. Is Irving as mysogonistic as he comes across, or is he trying to make some kind of statement? I'm having a really hard time w/the fact that this little boy is sexually molested by almost every woman he comes in contact with before he's 10 years old. I don't know if Irving is saying all women are whores, or if these are supposed to be some kind of empowered women who can control men (which wouldn't make much sense b/c this is just a little kid), or if this is what society turns women into.

I've read all of Irving's other books & I don't recall being as disgusted with them as I am now (except maybe the incest thing in Garp). I just don't know what to think. He's a great writer but I'm tempted to burn this book.

 

[kathryn]

I haven't read any Irving for a long time, but from interviews I've seen with him, I do think he's a bit of a sexist.

 

[dlavie]

After "Garp" and the book's "Ellen Jamesian Society" I found Irving tought to take. Robin Williams did a good job with the character in the movie.

Dave

 

[mrsmel]

I'm reading this right now, too. I think I have about a hundred pages to go, I figure I'll finish it by the end of the week.

Part of my problem is how long it is. I know John's loquacious, but 820 pages just seems excessive! Plus, it's almost too heavy to hold up in bed.

Okay, having said that, the subject matter is really out of this world. I know a lot of sexual abuse goes on in this world, but I agree he comes across as extremely unfriendly toward women. In this particular book more so than his others, in my opinion.

I must say I really prefer his earlier work. Cider House Rules and A Prayer for Owen Meany are two of my all-time favorites. Damaged people, but still good in their own way. I haven't found many redeeming qualities in the characters in Until I Find You.

 

[2121]

I am reading this book right now. I rarely spend money on books anymore, but bought this for vacation. I am so mad! You are right. This book is twisted. I am only about 100 pages into the story and am about ready to throw it out. Usually I read crime drama. Reading about a serial killer seems cleaner than this story. If I don't finish, can I email you too get the ending without the details? Thanks Melissa

 

[endorphin_junkie]

I've read most of Irving's books and as much as I've loved some ('A Prayer for Owen Meany' is also one of my favourites) others just left me scratching my head (The Fourth Hand). I appreciate you posting this Laura, I'll save my money, I don't want to get pi$$ed off and irritated while trying to savour some summer reading.

Take Care
Laurie

 

[WRITER]

I read this -- all of it. And, I did wonder what happened to Irving's editor?? The novel does offer insight into the sexual abuse of boys by women, which hasn't been dealt with as much as the abuse of girls by men. I think there is a place to deal with this, but a good editor would have said enough already with one maybe two incidents. It was overkill and nearly misogyny, I agree. What stops it from being an exercise in women bashing, in my view, is that all the characters are pretty nuts, not just the women.

I was interested more in the hero's search for his father. As I jokingly told my friend, the novel picks up on page 500.

 

[LauraMax]

That's just about where I am in the book! And yeah, it seems to be getting more interesting now that pretty much all the abusive women have either been exposed (no pun intended) or died & Jack has just found out his father was chasing him, not the other way around.

Of course, the only woman who seemed to have any kind of redeeming qualities (his mother) turned out to be a scheming, emotionally abusive b*tch.

Well, I guess I'll finish this & take Irving off my reading list. I'm very disappointed in his take on women.

 

[cmoroney]

Was this book on Oprah Winfrey's book club? I think it is one I too tried to read about a year ago - I could not get into that book at all. I thought it was quite disgusting. But I must say I only got through about 100 pages.

Is it the same one? I remember Jack - I love to read almost as much as I love to work out. But this book was trash - and I did not like how his take on women either. I will never buy another one of his books again.

Cheryl

 

[cmoroney]

Was this book on Oprah Winfrey's book club? I think it is one I too tried to read about a year ago - I could not get into that book at all. I thought it was quite disgusting. But I must say I only got through about 100 pages.

Is it the same one? I remember Jack - I love to read almost as much as I love to work out. But this book was trash - and I did not like how his take on women either. I will never buy another one of his books again.

Cheryl