John Irving
Full Name and Common Aliases
John Winslow Irving, commonly known as John Irving, is a celebrated American-Canadian novelist and screenwriter. His distinctive voice and compelling storytelling have earned him a place among the most respected authors of contemporary literature.
Birth and Death Dates
John Irving was born on March 2, 1942. As of the latest available information, he is still alive and continues to contribute to the literary world.
Nationality and Profession(s)
John Irving holds dual nationality as an American and Canadian. He is primarily known as a novelist and screenwriter, but his talents also extend to being a short story writer and essayist.
Early Life and Background
John Irving was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, a small town that would later serve as a backdrop for many of his novels. Raised by his mother and stepfather, Irving's early life was marked by a struggle with dyslexia, a challenge that he overcame through sheer determination and a passion for storytelling. His stepfather, a faculty member at Phillips Exeter Academy, provided Irving with a rich educational environment that nurtured his literary ambitions. Irving's experiences at Exeter, both as a student and later as a wrestling coach, deeply influenced his writing, infusing his novels with themes of perseverance and resilience.
Major Accomplishments
John Irving's literary career took off with the publication of his fourth novel, "The World According to Garp" in 1978. The novel was a critical and commercial success, earning him the National Book Award for Fiction in 1980. This success established Irving as a major voice in American literature. His ability to weave intricate plots with richly developed characters has earned him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for "The Cider House Rules" in 2000. Irving's works have been translated into more than 35 languages, reaching a global audience and solidifying his status as an international literary figure.
Notable Works or Actions
John Irving's bibliography is extensive, with several novels achieving both critical acclaim and popular success. "The World According to Garp" remains one of his most beloved works, exploring themes of sexuality, feminism, and the complexities of family life. Other notable novels include "A Prayer for Owen Meany", a profound exploration of faith and destiny, and "The Cider House Rules", which tackles issues of abortion and personal choice. Irving's ability to address complex social issues with humor and empathy has made his novels both thought-provoking and accessible.
Impact and Legacy
John Irving's impact on literature is profound. His novels often explore the intricacies of human relationships, the struggle for identity, and the quest for meaning in a chaotic world. Irving's unique narrative style, characterized by its blend of humor and pathos, has influenced a generation of writers. His works have been adapted into successful films, further extending his reach and influence. Irving's commitment to storytelling and his ability to engage readers with compelling narratives have ensured his place in the pantheon of great American writers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
John Irving is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to capture the human condition with wit and wisdom. His novels often feature memorable characters and poignant insights into life’s complexities, making his work a rich source of quotes that resonate with readers. Irving's exploration of universal themes such as love, loss, and redemption has made his writing timeless. His quotes often reflect a deep understanding of human nature, offering readers both comfort and challenge. Irving's legacy as a storyteller who can both entertain and enlighten ensures that his words will continue to inspire and provoke thought for generations to come.
Quotes by John Irving
John Irving's insights on:
A part of adolescence is feeling that there's no one else around who's enough like yourself to understand you.
Baseball is a game with a lot of waiting in it; it is a game with increasingly heightened anticipation of increasingly limited action.
I write very quickly; I rewrite very slowly. It takes me nearly as long to rewrite a book as it does to get the first draft. I can write more quickly than I can read.
I grew up in a family where, through my teenage years, I was expected to go to church on Sunday. It wasn't terribly painful. I thought some of the stories were neat; I liked some of the liturgy and some of the songs.
I wanted my cousins to like Owen, because I liked him – he was my best friend – but, at the same time, I didn’t want everything to be so enjoyable that I’d have to invite Owen to Sawyer Depot the next time I went. I was sure that would be disastrous. And I was nervous that my cousins would make fun of Owen; and I confess I was nervous that Owen would embarrass me – I am ashamed of feeling that, to this day.
When somebody touches you... and you really don’t wanna be touched, that’s not really being touched. You still got you inside of you. And nobody has touched you. Not really. You still got you inside of you. You believe that.
Without somehow destroying me in the process, how could God reveal himself in a way that would leave no room for doubt? If there was no room for doubt, there would be no room for me. – FREDERICK BUECHNER.
A loving couple will say things to each other – you know, Danny – just to make each other feel good about a situation, even if the situation isn’t good, or it they shouldn’t feel good about i,” Ketchum said. “A loving couple will make up their own rules, as if these made-up rules were as reliable or counted for as much as the rules everyone else tried to live by – if you know what I mean.
He was an obstetrician; he delivered babies into the world. His colleagues called this ‘the Lord’s work.’ And he was an abortionist; he delivered mothers, too. His colleagues called this ‘the Devil’s work,’ but it was all the Lord’s work to Wilbur Larch. As Mrs. Maxwell had observed: ‘The true physician’s soul cannot be too broad and gentle.
An aura of fate had marked him. He moved slowly; he often appeared to be lost in thought, or in his imagination – as if his future were predetermined, and he wasn’t resisting it.