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The World According to Garp
- A Novel
- Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews, John Irving
- Length: 20 hrs and 54 mins
- Categories: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Thriller & Suspense
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Publisher's Summary
A special 40th anniversary edition of the bestselling coming-of-age classic novel by John Irving, with a new introduction by the author.
"He is more than popular. He is a Populist, determined to keep alive the Dickensian tradition that revels in colorful set pieces...and teaches moral lessons." (The New York Times)
The opening sentence of John Irving's breakout novel, The World According to Garp, signals the start of sexual violence, which becomes increasingly political. "Garp's mother, Jenny Fields, was arrested in Boston in 1942 for wounding a man in a movie theater." Jenny is an unmarried nurse; she becomes a single mom and a feminist leader, beloved but polarizing. Her son, Garp, is less beloved, but no less polarizing.
From the tragicomic tone of its first sentence to its mordantly funny last line -- "we are all terminal cases" -- The World According to Garp maintains a breakneck pace. The subject of sexual hatred--of intolerance of sexual minorities and differences--runs the gamut of "lunacy and sorrow."
Winner of the National Book Award, Garp is a comedy with forebodings of doom. In more than thirty languages, in more than forty countries--with more than ten million copies in print--Garp is the precursor of John Irving's later protest novels.
What the critics say
“The most powerful and profound novel about women written by a man in our generation.... Like all extraordinary books, Garp defies synopsis.... A marvelous, important, permanent novel by a serious artist of remarkable powers.” (Chicago Sun-Times)
“Nothing in contemporary fiction matches it.... Irving’s blend of gravity and play is unique, audacious, almost blasphemous.... Brilliant, funny, and consistently wise; a work of vast talent.” (The New Republic)
"A large talent announces itself on practically every page." (The Book-of-the-Month Club News)
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What listeners say about The World According to Garp
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Cake
- 2019-06-26
worth it
I was completely absorbed into the world according to Garp, a wonderful story by John Irving. I did skip the intro by the author at the beginning.
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- Juleshm
- 2019-05-10
My fave Irving novel
Irving has a gift for capturing the irreverent, awkward and eccentric in every day moments through characters not afraid to ask lifes tough questions. This is the journey of Jenny Garp and her son T S Garp. Irving never shied away from social commentary and this novel written in the 1970s was apt for the times and remains so. Jennys beginning was from family money and puritanical parents. To their horror she became a nurse. During WW II she consciously decided to impregnate herself via circumstances bizarre to say the least. Jennys life long efforts to provide a voice for American women and dogged determinism to express without regret ideals many women reading the novel had just begun to consider created a literary character for the times. I was fortunate in that I listened to the 40th anniversary Audible book which featured John Irving reading a forward. He expressed surprise and joy the novel remains relevant. So enjoyable. A timely re release.
Favorite Quotes
They were involved in that awkward procedure of getting to unknow each other.
All men are liars, said Roberta Muldoon, who knew this was true because she had once been a man.
-John Irving The World According to Garp
6 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 2019-09-02
STILL great.
I've read this book 3 times, and listened to it once. John Irving is the only author I RE-read. Now I have a new narrator to seek out. MacLeod Andrews reads one of my favorite Irvings exactly as it should be read.
5 people found this helpful
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- Bill Z
- 2019-03-08
Authentic and relevant complexity
In The World According to Garp, you will encounter complex and authentic representations of having, raising, and losing children, building, destroying, and rebuilding romantic relationships, sexuality, gender, and fanaticism. Of the many aspects of this novel that I will carry with me, perhaps the strongest is that no matter how hard you try, you are likely to be misunderstood, especially if you grow.
5 people found this helpful
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- Wyatt
- 2019-06-12
A roller coaster of emotion
This book was an amazingly colorful story with fascinating characters with lots of depth. Truly worth reading again
2 people found this helpful
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- Sharon Ames
- 2020-10-02
A review Garp would hopefully enjoy
Some background - This book was first suggested to me by my parents. They both claimed it was one of their all-time favorites and that they had read it many years ago. This was somewhat surprising because they each have very different taste in what they enjoy to read. I ordered the book off Amazon, not giving it much attention. When my copy arrived, it had a toad on the front and it made no sense to me then. I’m not sure what finally made me pick it up but I’m glad I did, when I did.
My review - John Irving is a fantastic writer and not too clever for his own good. I loved the layers of writers and writing, and how seamlessly Irving navigates between each tense, perspective, and new narrative. I loved the call backs and references he made for readers who paid attention. Irving’s use of language brought me into this world and I loved it. I believe Irving’s foreword is an important addition to the novel as well. It helped me understand this wasn’t a book about Garp. Letting go of that expectation allowed me to enjoy and focus on all of these rich characters and how they grow. On the note of characters - I hated Jozy Slopper’s dialogue and it felt like it was disrespectful and insensitive. Otherwise, I was happy with everyone else, flaws and all. This book will stay with me for a long time and I’m grateful to Irving for the lessons ingrained.
1 person found this helpful
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- Chris10587
- 2020-07-17
perfect
story was amazing, Irving is the most skilled writer I have ever read. the book feels like it could have been written today. its so far the best Irving book I have read, I plan on reading all his books. the narrator was amazing. if Irving edited it for a stage performance it could be even better.
1 person found this helpful
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- Amanda Hickey
- 2019-11-08
Sigh...💯
My first Irving novel that I actually finished. I couldn’t get through Owen Meany, Owen Meany’s narrated voice gave me a headache. This novel was so entertaining! I really like Irving’s satire and crudeness, I giggled quite a bit throughout. Although some heartbreaking events and my disagreement with the politics, Irving has a beautiful way of writing. Roberta/Robert was by favorite character!
1 person found this helpful
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- Shannon A.
- 2021-03-06
Exceptional in every way!
Excellent story, narration was wonderful. So much in one book. I absolutely loved it! 🧡
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- Kindle Customer
- 2021-02-24
Being an author According to John Irving
Just like the book within this book, The World According to Garp, may b e known as John Irving’s “biggest book,” but I do not find it his greatest book. Though well written with strong views on gender roles, the feminist movement, and sexuality, the graphic descriptions and super titillating images create an ugly pronouncement on Garp’s world, which has difficulty being redeemed by the kinder, gentler perspectives in the story.
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- Locopelli
- 2021-02-24
Wonderful story, outstanding writer
Can’t go wrong with Irving, and Andrews delivers with a warm tone akin to Matthew McConaughey. A beautiful read about very “real” people. it’s a story about love and loss, feminism and violence. Every word: perfect.