I haven't read a book by John Irving for a few years. I had forgotten what I was missing. Thi is another excellent book. He is such a master a developing characters. I don't mind that certain themes have a tendency to recur, such as wrestling. As always engrossing, wondering how it is going to end and whether the main character will ever find his father. The first half of the book tells of his childhood, growing up with his mother, then the second half moves into his grown up life.
The story delves into travel, loss, tattoos and acting. Somehow it is all weaved together into a comprehensive tale. I suddenly find myself looking at peoples tattoos in a new light (I might be getting to "staring" status, need to make sure I don't get arrested) because suddenly there is a whol lot more behind them. As Jack starts acting, especially taking on cross-dressing roles, you wonder whether he is trying to attract his father, a notorious womaniser. But, as often with Irving, things are not all as they seem, and slowly a different world emerges, with surprises until the end. Jack is a man never out of the limelight.
No comments:
Post a Comment