book review
Title: In One Person
Author: John Irving
# of Pages: 448
Summary (from amazon.com): Very few authors can create and sustain a cast of unique and unforgettable characters like John Irving. In One Person is a masterfully told story of identity, relationships, and the struggle that comes with living a life outside of the mainstream. The central figure in Irving’s lovely and strange novel is Billy; the narration jumps between different phases of Billy’s life, beginning with his most formative years as a teenager in the 1960’s discovering his bisexuality. Irving doesn’t shy away from the difficulties of sexual exploration and identity, forcing Billy, his friends, and his family (and the reader) to confront and question their beliefs and prejudices. Each new phase of Billy’s life brings new characters into the fold, but everyone serves a purpose and the ending rewards close reading. The world is not a black-and-white place, and Irving’s colorful characters embody all of the shades in-between.
Opinion: I really love John Irving. The most impressive thing I find about his novels is his ability to craft such authentic characters with all different experiences and who experience a wide range of emotions. I'm also really impressed with Irving's ability to write transgender characters, which is something that is difficult to find in many novels, as trans characters usually tend to be symbols or caricatures, and not fully developed. Irving is the exception, especially in this novel, where sexual diversity, becoming, and acceptance is at the forefront of Billy's journey. Very impressed with everything I've read of Irving and definitely plan on reading more.
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