The World According to Garp |
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Author:
John Irving
By Ballantine Books
Average Customer Rating:  
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780345366764
ISBN: 034536676X
Label: Ballantine Books
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 624
Publication Date: 1994-08
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Studio: Ballantine Books |
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 Great in parts but on a whole does start to bore., 2008-12-22
I know that I am in the minority with my rating but I really wanted to love this book and at times I did. Parts of this novel are genuinely hilarious. Parts are very touching and thought provoking. Parts are just plain pointless and a struggle. I still don't know what it was supposed to be about and I don't think the author does either. Is it about parental fear, sex, feminism, or writing? The author in his notes says its about the fear a parent has for his/her children but I think it just suits him to say that as he doesn't really know himself and if he does know then the best bits e.g. his Steering schooldays, Vienna, Ellen Jamesians, Mrs. Ralph have very little to do with the story. 5 stars in places, 2 stars in others, 3 1/2 stars overall. Might still read Owen Meany though
New to his books, 2007-03-09
I only picked this up after being recommended it- and having read no John Irving books before, had no hopes for this book. However, right from the start I found myself engrossed in the storyline and the characters! In fact, putting the book down was a challenge as all the way through there is something you want resolved and want to know what happens...the events themselves are plastered with twists and turns, unusual and sometimes comical moments, but always heartfelt in one way or another. I also really liked the style it was written in, and everything came together to create a great read for those into all genres of literature.
garp wrote..., 2008-03-21
the humour in this is what captivates every one of it's readers. irving creates a special kind of relationship between his characters and his readers, you care about what happens to then when you aren't reading the book and when it's over you can just sit there for a time just thinking about it. personally this book was an impulse buy after a traumatic day, books are cheaper than smack and much better for your health. definitely worth it, i sat up reading it all night. buy it, you won't regret it.
It isn't as bad as Owen Meany..., 2007-12-07
A grotesque 'comedy' by a writer who thinks he's an awful lot better than he actually is, and boy does he want you to know it. Hypocritical, degrading to women and at least 300 pages too long. An 'X-Rated soap opera' with a medley of irritating characters - T.S.Garp not least of all.
The Dickens of our age , 2007-02-12
John Irving has a talent that every writer on Earth wants: he is able to create characters powerful enough to make the reader draw breath, powerful enough to make the reader leave finger marks over the cover from gripping it too tight.
I read the book when I was 15 and now I am 18. I have read many fiction books since then but none that have left an indelible impression as Technical Sargent Garp have. His character is one filled with all the flaws, hopes and failings of the Western Man. This is perhaps what is so appealing and endearing about his character: he makes the same mistakes that we would in his situation, and he suffers for them like we would. His failings include: 1) His "lust" as his mother puts it 2) His inherent contradictions that set him up to be knocked down. but we don't laugh at him, we cry with him.
What a book. Don't waste your time reading another review-go buy it now!
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