In John Irving's poignant novel, 'A Widow for One Year', we delve into the life of Ruth Cole, a troubled yet fiercely independent woman grappling with the legacy of her parents' tumultuous relationship. The narrative stretches from her childhood to her adulthood, revealing the complexities of love, loss, and the unyielding quest for identity. As Ruth navigates her painful past and the intricacies of her relationships, the story grapples with themes of grief and healing, bound together by a haunting family secret. With Irving's signature blend of humor and tragedy, readers are drawn into a rich tapestry of human experiences that challenge and inspire. Prepare to uncover the depth of Ruth's journey as it unravels the profound impact of love and the haunting echoes of memory.
By John Irving
Published: 2001
""Life is a series of chapters, some of them bittersweet, but it's the memories we create and the love we share that truly define us.""
Ruth Cole is a complex, often self-contradictory character--a "difficult" woman. By no means is she conventionally "nice," but she will never be forgotten. Ruth's story is told in three parts, each focusing on a crucial time in her life. When we first meet her--on Long Island, in the summer of 1958--Ruth is only four. The second window into Ruth's life opens in the fall of 1990, when Ruth is an unmarried woman whose personal life is not nearly as successful as her literary career. She distrusts her judgment in men, for good reason. A Widow for One Year closes in the autumn of 1995, when Ruth Cole is a forty-one-year-old widow and mother. She's about to fall in love for the first time. Richly comic, as well as deeply disturbing A Widow for One Year is a multilayered love story of astonishing emotional force. Both ribald and erotic, it is also a brilliant novel about the passage of time and the relentlessness of grief.
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“"Life is a series of chapters, some of them bittersweet, but it's the memories we create and the love we share that truly define us."”
A Widow for One Year
By John Irving
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John Irving is an acclaimed American novelist, known for his rich storytelling and complex characters. Born on March 2, 1942, in Exeter, New Hampshire, he gained prominence with his groundbreaking novel 'The World According to Garp' (1978), which was a finalist for the National Book Award. Over the years, Irving has published several notable works, including 'The Cider House Rules' (1985), which won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, and 'A Prayer for Owen Meany' (1989), celebrated for its intricate narrative and themes of faith and destiny. Irving's writing often features detailed characterizations, dark humor, and a blend of realism and whimsical elements, reflecting his concern with social issues, human rights, and the complexities of human relationships.
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