Avenue of Mysteries by John Irving

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I had to sit quietly and collect my thoughts when I finished this novel. I was late to the party in reading this wonderful work by John Irving, I imagine it was because I was an overwrought English major when the novel was published and just didn’t have much time for recreational reading. My five star rating might be a bit much but four and one half stars are not an option. Mr. Irving uses most of his familiar tropes throughout the book minus a bear; while some readers may find it tiresome I find it amusing how he manages to work them into the different novels he writes. A variety of topics are covered all of which cause one to think more deeply on the subjects. There are laughs, worries, troubles, issues, and pain in various degrees throughout. I could come to terms or form opinions on most everything but one question remained, who or what were Miriam and Dolores? By all accounts they appeared to be real people but then again, they appeared not to be; one mystery that was never solved.

John Irving has written some wonderful novels, this is one of them. It moved me to the point that I know the next novel I read just will not be able to reach the measure of Avenue of Mysteries; some works are like that. If you haven’t read it, please do; I believe it will touch your heart, mind, and soul.



View all my reviews