A Widow for One Year
A Widow for One Year
Book Brief
Beta576
Novel • Fiction
New England • Contemporary
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Widow for One Year by John Irving focuses on the emotional journeys of a writer named Ruth Cole and her family over several decades. The narrative weaves through themes of grief, love, and the complexities of family dynamics, highlighting pivotal moments in Ruth's life and career.
Reviews & Readership
65,080 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
John Irving's A Widow for One Year captivates with its multifaceted characters and richly woven narrative, showcasing Irving's talent for profound storytelling. However, some critics feel the novel's length leads to occasional pacing issues. Despite this, it remains a compelling exploration of grief, love, and redemption.
Who Should Read A Widow for One Year?
Readers who enjoy deep, character-driven narratives filled with emotional complexity will appreciate John Irving's A Widow for One Year. Fans of Irving's earlier works like The World According to Garp or those who enjoy the literary depth of Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections will find this novel compelling.
65,080 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A Widow for One Year was adapted into the movie The Door in the Floor in 2004, starring Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger, which focuses specifically on the first part of the novel.
John Irving often incorporates themes of tragedy and familial complexity in his novels, and he drew some inspiration for A Widow for One Year from his own experiences dealing with loss and grief.
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The novel explores the intricacies of writing and storytelling, as one of its central characters is a successful author, reflecting Irving's own insights into the literary world.
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576
Novel • Fiction
New England • Contemporary
2004
Adult
18+ years
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