Summary
A great author’s autobiography.
From a novelist known for the complexity of his novels - they are also long - comes an autobiography of compelling simplicity; it is also short. Dedicated to the memory of two wrestling coaches and two writer friends, The Imaginary Girlfriend is a lucid portrait of the writers and wrestlers who played a mentor role in John Irving’s development as a novelist, a wrestler and a wrestling coach. Moreover, this candid memoir portrays a father’s dedi…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780552996808 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 0552996807 |
| Author: | John Irving |
| Publisher: | Transworld Publishers Ltd |
| Imprint: | Black Swan |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 160 |
| Release Date: | 1 August 1997 |
| Weight: | 166g |
| Dimensions: | 198mm x 127mm x 13mm |
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What They're Saying
Critics Review
Interesting and surprising revelations
Interesting and surprising revelations – Michael Moran * Literary Review *
His “inexpressible personal opinions” as a critic are wonderful, slaying many a sacred cow – Tobias Jones * Spectator *
The patent sincerity of his passion gives an appealing authenticity to this memoir… compelling and alive – Andrew Rosenheim * The Times Literary Supplement *
Irving can transform sex and violence mythology with the best of ‘em – Adrianne Blue * Independent on Sunday *
Concise, original and enjoyable * The Times *
About The Author
John Irving
John Irving was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, in 1942. He admitted to being a “grim” child, but excelled in English and knew by graduation that he wanted to write novels. He received encouragement from Southern novelist John Yount at the University of New Hampshire, who told him that anything he did besides writing would be “vaguely unsatisfying.”
In 1963, Irving enrolled at the Institute of European Studies in Vienna and later worked as a university lecturer. His first novel, Setting Free the Bears, was followed by The Water-Method Man and The 158-Pound Marriage. Irving achieved international recognition with The World According to Garp.
Other notable works include the family saga The Hotel New Hampshire, the story of Doctor Wilbur Larch and Homer Wells in The Cider House Rules, A Prayer for Owen Meany featuring an unforgettable character, and A Son of the Circus, an evocation of modern India. He is also the author of the international bestsellers A Widow for One Year, The Fourth Hand, and Until I Find You.
A collection of his shorter writing, Trying to Save Piggy Sneed, was published in 1993. Irving has also written screenplays for The Cider House Rules and A Son of the Circus, and chronicled his experiences in the film industry in his memoir My Movie Business.
Irving has a lifelong passion for wrestling, even playing a referee in the film adaptation of The World According to Garp. His memoir, The Imaginary Girlfriend, explores his life as a wrestler, novelist, and wrestling coach. He now writes full-time, has three children, and lives in Vermont and Toronto.
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