John Irving's life and career unfold as a tapestry of rich experiences and
literary accomplishments. Born in Exeter, New Hampshire, in 1942, Irving's
early years were marked by personal challenges and burgeoning creativity. His
journey from a dyslexic student at a prestigious academy to an acclaimed
novelist and screenwriter offers a fascinating glimpse into the making of a
literary icon.
Early Life and Education
Irving entered the world on March 2, 1942, in the quaint town of Exeter, New
Hampshire. Despite his protestations that The World According to Garp is
not autobiographical, many parallels exist between Irving and his character,
Garp. Like Garp, Irving never met his biological father but gained insight into
him through wartime letters his father penned, using these letters as
inspiration for characters in his later works, such as The Cider House
Rules. Irving's formative years unfolded at Exeter Academy, where his
stepfather taught Russian history. This environment fostered his twin passions
for wrestling and writing, though academic success eluded him due to
undiagnosed dyslexia.
Academic Ventures and Influences
Irving's college years were a period of exploration and discontent. His
brief tenures at the University of Pittsburgh in 1961 and the University of New
Hampshire in 1962 left him unfulfilled. Seeking new horizons, he journeyed to
Austria in 1963 to attend the University of Vienna, a decision that would
significantly influence his career and life. Immersed in the vibrant cultural
tapestry of Vienna throughout the 1960s, Irving exchanged vows with Shyla
Leary, a painter, and they welcomed two sons, Colin and Brendan, into their
lives. In 1967, he completed his Master of Fine Arts at the University of Iowa
Writers Workshop, guided by the inimitable Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. His stay in a
castle built by Charlemagne, alongside director Irvin Kershner, to work on an
ill-fated adaptation of his first novel, Setting Free the Bears, marked
another intriguing chapter in his early career.
Literary Breakthrough
Irving's early novels, including The Water-Method Man (1972) and
The 158-Pound Marriage (1974), did not replicate the modest success of
his debut. However, his fortunes changed dramatically with the release of his
fourth novel, The World According to Garp. Dissatisfied with the
promotion efforts for his previous books at Random House, Irving transitioned
to E. P. Dutton. The gamble paid off, as Garp catapulted him to literary
stardom. The novel earned a National Book Award nomination in 1979 and clinched
the American Book Award in 1980. It was subsequently adapted into a film
featuring Robin Williams in the titular role, further cementing Irving's status
as a major literary figure.
Continued Success and Adaptations
Each subsequent Irving novel has met with critical acclaim and commercial
success. Notable works include The Hotel New Hampshire (1981), The
Cider House Rules (1985), A Prayer For Owen Meany (1989), Son of
the Circus (1994), and A Widow For One Year (1998). Alongside his
writing, Irving has shared his knowledge as an English professor and wrestling
coach. His reflective side can be seen in collections such as Trying to Save
Peggy Sneed (1996), and memoirs The Imaginary Girlfriend (1996) and
My Movie Business (1999). The success of the film adaptation of The
World According to Garp in 1982 led to further cinematic
interpretations—The Hotel New Hampshire in 1984 and The Cider House
Rules in 1999. For the latter, Irving's screenplay earned him an Academy
Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, while Michael Caine took home the Best
Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as Dr. Larch.
Personal Life and Legacy
Irving's personal life has seen significant changes alongside his
professional achievements. After divorcing his first wife, Shyla Leary, in
1981, he eventually found love again with his Canadian agent, Janet Turnbull,
marrying her in 1987. Today, Irving resides in southern Vermont with Turnbull
and their son, Everett. His legacy as a novelist and screenwriter remains
firmly rooted in his ability to draw from personal experience and mold it into
compelling narratives that resonate across generations.
