Experts
John Irving
Author
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Why John Irving Can’t Leave America
Between America’s bullying sense of patriotism and its increasingly divided populace, it’s difficult for a writer to call the land home. Yet, insists John Irving, if he’s going to "pick on" his native country, he needs to do it from the inside. … Watch
November 5, 2009 | In Arts & Culture
Advice to Aspiring Novelists: Don’t Shoot Yourself
After the publication of the "World According to Garp" and numerous other bestsellers, John Irving does not really have to worry about his career. But, for those looking to break into the book-writing business today, Irving is far from envious. … Watch
November 5, 2009 | In Arts & Culture, Inspiration & Wisdom
Should Writers Like the Movies?
With its complete disregard for screenwriters and endless, seemingly luck-based, collaborative process, it’s a wonder anybody with literary sympathies can stomach cinema culture. Despite all this, John Irving wonders if westerns aren’t actually the greatest American gift to the storytelling tradition. … Watch
November 5, 2009 | In Arts & Culture
Why Joyce Can't Hold a Candle to Dickens
With their richly textured characters, intensely visible milieux and wondrous storylines, no novels, says John Irving, have surpassed the splendor and sense of eminence of the nineteenth century novelists. … Watch
November 5, 2009 | In Arts & Culture
The tension between John Irving, John Updike and Tom Wolfe was overplayed and misguided, says the novelist. The real sparks would fly, he says, if he ran into a few fellows well outside of the media’s purview. … Watch
November 5, 2009 | In Arts & Culture
John Irving is the author of twelve books, including “The World According to Garp,” “A Prayer For Owen Meany,” and most recently, “Last Night on Twisted River.” Over his career he has won a National Book Award, an Academy Award for his adaptation of “The Cider House Rules,” and many other honors, and has been translated into over thirty languages. A former competitive wrestler, he splits his time between Vermont and Montreal.
