John Irving: Wrestling With The Great American Novel
A contemporary master of the form, John Irving is one of the most recognizable and best selling American novelists writing today, known for his Dickensian narratives, eccentric characters and preoccupation with themes of sex and violence, art and academia.
John Winslow Irving was born in Exeter, New Hampshire in 1942. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 1965, Irving went on to receive a Masters degree in English from the University of Iowa, where he became lifelong friends with fellow student and future novelist Kurt Vonnegut. Irving began teaching across various American universities to support his young family, briefly sojourning in Vienna, and published his first novel Setting Free the Bears (1968) at the tender age of 26. Irving has often expressed the profound influence of Charles Dickens and 19th century writing on the kaleidoscopic range and rich detail of his novels. The densely plotted, Dickensian sprawl of his picaresque second novel The Water-Method Man was published in 1972.
While his early novels were moderately received by critics and sold relatively few copies, Irving’s most famous work, and the book that launched him into the wider public consciousness, remains the macabre, blackly comic The World According to Garp (1978). Adapted into an Academy Award winning film in 1982, Irving’s fourth novel is a painfully funny, often violent saga focusing on the life and death of the tragic T.S Garp, the illegitimate son of a nurse and feminist mother during World War Two. The plot follows the young Garp and his mother as they move to Vienna, where he starts a career as a writer. Filled with quirky characterization and irreverent humor, the novel was highly praised for its energy, stylistic innovations and structure, and was shortlisted for the National Book Award for Fiction in 1979.
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CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
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2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
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2. Scotland
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3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
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3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
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2. Egypt
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His novels often contain semi-autobiographical elements. An avid wrestler, competing in tournaments till the age of 34, the sport of wrestling is a recurring theme in Irving’s work, along with the repeated motifs of academic life, sex, the city of Vienna and the process of writing. However, he has vehemently countered criticism that his novels recycle the same ideas, stating that ‘repetition in fiction is the necessary concomitant of having something worthwhile to say.’ Other essential Irving works includes the dark, grotesque comedy about religious martyrdom, A Prayer For Owen Meany (1989).
In 2000, he won an Academy Award for the script adaptation of his 1985 novel The Cider House Rules, a dysfunctional family tale which explores the ethics of abortion. Irving was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2001. In recent years Irving has settled in Vermont and used the state as inspiration for some of his works. His thirteenth novel In One Person was published in May 2012.
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It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
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I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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