The Unique Craft of John Irving

John Irving stands as a highly accomplished American novelist, merging academic depth with widespread popular appeal. His work, particularly "The World According to Garp," has received numerous accolades, selling millions of copies worldwide. However, his success has ironically drawn criticism from purists who argue that his approach, which eschews postmodern experimentation in favor of traditional narrative methods, leans too heavily towards popular tastes.

Recurring Themes and Settings

Irving frequently revisits certain settings and themes throughout his body of work. For instance, boys’ schools, reminiscent of Exeter, often serve as backdrops, as seen in "A Widow for One Year." Vienna is another favored location, representing Old World decadence with its rich historical undercurrents, featured prominently in novels like "Setting Free the Bears" and "The Hotel New Hampshire." The family unit, often depicted with eccentric yet warm dynamics, forms another cornerstone of his storytelling. The father is typically a dreamer, the mother a creative force, while siblings maintain close ties, symbolizing a source of warmth and comfort.

Irving's Fascination with the Violent and the Bizarre

Violence and oddities permeate Irving’s novels, with stories often involving rape, murder, and unusual sexual practices, including incest. Such elements underscore a loss of innocence, integral to the maturation process of many of his characters. Despite the grim details, Irving injects a semblance of poetic justice, suggesting that in the absence of divine intervention, fiction can restore balance and fairness.

Wrestling, Bears, and Personal Elements

Irving's personal interests, particularly wrestling, frequently find their way into his narratives, alongside his fascination with bears. These motifs, interwoven with elements of his personal life, contribute to the rich, autobiographical texture of his work. Yet, Irving artfully maintains a distinction between his life and his storytelling, ensuring his novels remain imaginative constructs rather than mere autobiographical accounts.

Chronology and the Bildungsroman

Irving’s novels often traverse time, beginning in idyllic post-World War II settings and following characters from childhood to mature adulthood. These journeys of growth, classified as Bildungsromane, explore deeper themes of family, ambition, and personal discovery. The father figure in Irving’s narratives usually embodies unfulfilled dreams, influencing the family’s dynamics, while the narrative voice often belongs to a discerning third child.

Repetition as a Narrative Tool

Rather than shunning repetition, Irving deliberately employs motifs across his body of work, creating a cohesive narrative universe. This technique allows readers to identify patterns and themes, enriching their engagement with his novels. Irving’s literary strategy implies that his oeuvre unfolds as a singular narrative tapestry, weaving together disparate stories into a unified exploration of life’s injustices and idiosyncrasies.

Insights into Individual Works

Setting Free the Bears

Irving's debut novel, "Setting Free the Bears," introduces his signature style—blending fantasy with reality. Set in Austria, it follows two young men, Hannes and Siggy, who embark on a whimsical journey, culminating in the release of zoo animals in Vienna. The novel explores themes of freedom and captivity, questioning whether liberation leads inevitably to destruction.

The World According to Garp

"The World According to Garp" details the life of T. S. Garp, a writer whose personal and professional turmoil mirrors Irving’s exploration of literary versus popular success. Filled with bizarre events, the novel examines themes of fate, identity, and the randomness of life, ultimately suggesting that seemingly disparate events connect to form a cohesive narrative.

The Hotel New Hampshire

Following "Garp," "The Hotel New Hampshire" delves into family dynamics amid a backdrop of whimsical absurdity. Spanning continents and generations, the novel focuses on the Berry family’s experiences in various hotels, emphasizing themes of dream chasing, familial love, and survival amidst chaos.