John Irving's most recent novel, Last Night in Twisted River came out in the fall and naturally as a lifelong Irving fan, I was curious. The miracle of Christmas has placed a copy in my hot little hands and I'm approximately halfway through Irving's latest work. I am enjoying it as I find Irving's work totally absorbing. He manages to create a world in which I want to inhabit, at least, as a voyeur. Characteristic of his other novels, this book is primarily set in New England, at least one character is a wrestler, another character is a writer, there is a significance to the relationship between man and nature, there is a strange, sexual coming of age for a young man (usually at teenager) by an intriguing and inappropriate older woman. Additionally, Irving raises similar issues to his other works - a family effected through decades and generations by one tragic event, while simultaneously examining American history. Irving also focuses on our fears of the every day - how the dangers of life could change us in an instant. While all Irving's familiar characteristics are present, this book does not feel like recycled material. I think because Irving places the family history within the greater context of American history and how mundane fears can rule us each, his material is always fresh. Plus, he tells a great story.
- KER
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