The Last Chairlift - Book Review so far

 

The Last Chairlift

John Irving

3.5    stars

 

 

 

 

First off, I did not complete this book (yet). I made it to pg. 524 of this 912 page tome. As the NetGalley advanced copy was archived, I am on the list at my local library in order to complete it, which I definitely plan to do.

But just to give you an idea as to why I will return to it.

In true Irving fashion, the reader is thrust into a wild and crazy ride with Adam, the little snowshoer, Little Ray, and a host of other hard to explain and hard to forget characters. It is absurd enough to satisfy the Irving fan with many references of political beliefs at the time (Reagan wanted prayer in the classroom but avoided discussion of the number of Americans who died of AIDS). Wonderful descriptions of skiing, and the focus on excellence on the slopes, interspersed with a lot of detail about wrestling.

Due to the length of the book, Irving’s commitment to the bizarre, and his persistent lens on family relationships, this book will not suit the reader looking for a story to skim. But I will go back to it, because Irving is always worth the work.

Cheers,


 

 

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