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The World According to Garp

A Novel
Irving, John, 1942- (Book - - 1998)
Average Rating: 2 stars out of 5.
The World According to Garp


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Random House, Inc.
This is the life and times of T. S. Garp, the bastard son of Jenny Fields, a feminist leader ahead of her time. This is the life and death of a famous mother and her almost-famous son; theirs is a world of sexual extremes, even of sexual assassinations. It is a novel rich … More »
Random House, Inc.
This is the life and times of T. S. Garp, the bastard son of Jenny Fields, a feminist leader ahead of her time. This is the life and death of a famous mother and her almost-famous son; theirs is a world of sexual extremes, even of sexual assassinations. It is a novel rich with lunacy and sorrow, yet the dark, violent events of the story do not undermine a comedy both ribald and robust. In more than thirty languages, in more than forty countries–with more than ten million copies in print–this novel provides almost cheerful, even hilarious evidence of its famous last line: “In the world according to Garp, we are all terminal cases.”
This is the life and times of T. S. Garp, the bastard son of Jenny Fields--a feminist leader ahead of her times. This is the life and death of a famous mother and her almost-famous son; theirs is a world of sexual extremes--even of sexual assassinations. It is a novel rich with 'lunacy and sorrow'; yet the dark, violent events of the story do not undermine a comedy both ribald and robust. In more than thirty languages, in more than forty countries--with more than ten million copies in print--this novel provides almost cheerful, even hilarious evidence of its famous last line: 'In the world according to Garp, we are all terminal cases.'

Baker & Taylor
T.S. Garp, a man with high ambitions for an artistic career and with obsessive devotion to his wife and children, and Jenny Fields, his famous feminist mother, find their lives surrounded by an assortment of people including teachers, whores, and radicals

Blackwell North Amer
The World According to Garp is a comic and compassionate coming-of-age novel that established John Irving as one of the most imaginative writers of his generation. A worldwide bestseller since its publication in 1978, Irving's classic is filled with stories inside stories about the life and times of T. S. Garp, novelist and bastard son of Jenny Fields - a feminist leader ahead of her time. Beyond that, The World According to Garp virtually defies synopsis.

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Imprint: New York - Ballantine Books
Pages: 446
ISBN: 0345418018, 9780345418012
Language: English
Notes: Originally published: New York : Dutton, c1978
Statement of responsibility: by John Irving
Characteristics: 446 p. ;,21 cm.
Author (Original Script): Irving, John
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Mar 22, 2013
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  • mackiecat rated this: 5 stars out of 5.

The John Irving novel that really started it all. It goes into some places that seem weird and definitely fantastic. Pro-gay, pro feminist (although with a cautionary tale - reminiscent of any cult scene in the '70's) and definitely pro-survive anything and go forward. Acceptance of other people going in other directions. Definitely John Irving. Strangely, one starts to have real affection for some of the characters. Just watch your heart - anything can happen to any of them at any time. Definitely for the brave.

This is one of very few novels I've ever read four times in my life. I find it so well written, heart-breaking, humourous, realistic, and far-fetched. So many things from out of the blue that it just seems like real life to me. A five star novel.

Mar 20, 2012
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  • sfogs rated this: 4.5 stars out of 5.

Read this awhile ago. I found it very well written. Read as part of an online book group, and as another 1001-books-to-read-before-you-die list book.

Jun 30, 2011
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  • BookEnthusiast rated this: 2.5 stars out of 5.

I am probably the only sole on Earth that doesn't agree with others regarding this book. I found it far fetched (mother's means of conception) and somewhat boring.

Nov 25, 2010
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  • jasonkeats rated this: 5 stars out of 5.

One of my all time favorites, this book has it all. It is funny, sad, and uplifting, with memorable characters. The movie was really good as well;l as it kept true to the spirit of the book.

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