Review: In One Person

In One Person

by John Irving

Right away I should tell you that John Irving is one of my favorite authors.  I think that he has a real knack for creating unique, yet believable situations, and presenting them in grand and sweeping prose.

In One Person met my expectations.  I’m a sucker for beautiful language, and Irving is a modern-day Dickens–master of the written word.

His characters are rich and colorful, full of passion and depth and flaws.  They feel like people you could know, or maybe that you already met at some time in your life.  In particular, the sad moments in the book really moved me.  I could feel it along with them.

Okay, so the novel isn’t his most original work.  Lots of subjects are present that he has tapped on before:  adolescent self-discovery, wrestling, sexual exploration and themes, and a quirkiness that isn’t for all readers.  It’s still a damn good read though.

Some of Irving’s books are considered controversial, and this is no different.  If sexual orientation, or gender confusion, are topics that you don’t want to see in a book, then keep your distance … this one isn’t for you.

The landscape behind the characters addresses the AIDS situation from the 1980s.  Both this book, and Dallas Buyers Club, gave me perspectives of the epidemic that I hadn’t seen, only being in my mid teens by the end of that decade.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and if he hadn’t reheated a few of his themes from previous novels, it would have easily been 5 stars for me.  Definitely worth your time if the topics and style of writing appeal to you.