John Irving Quotes

A collection of quotes by John Irving.

John Irving is a renowned American novelist and screenwriter, known for his captivating and often unconventional storytelling. Born on March 2, 1942, in Exeter, New Hampshire, Irving had a tumultuous childhood shaped by his parent's divorce and his stepfather's frequent absences. Despite his dyslexia, he developed a passion for literature and writing at a young age.

Irving attended the University of New Hampshire, where he honed his writing skills and earned a degree in English. He then pursued an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Iowa's esteemed Writers' Workshop. It was during this time that he wrote his first novel, "Setting Free the Bears," which was published in 1968. However, it was his fourth novel, "The World According to Garp," published in 1978, that catapulted Irving to international fame. The novel's success was further amplified when it was adapted into a film in 1982.

Throughout his career, John Irving has been awarded numerous literary honors, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his novel "The Cider House Rules." His works often explore themes of identity, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships, frequently featuring eccentric characters and dark humor. Irving's writing style is marked by its meticulous planning, symbolic motifs, and recurring themes.

With over a dozen novels to his name, including "A Prayer for Owen Meany," "The Hotel New Hampshire," and "A Widow for One Year," John Irving has undoubtedly solidified his place as one of America's most influential and beloved contemporary writers.