Avenue of Mysteries
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founder | John Irving |
| Products | Novel |
| Owner | Simon & Schuster |
Avenue of Mysteries represents the 14th novel by American writer John Irving, released in 2015. Issued in November of that year by Simon & Schuster, the book further delves into Irving’s intricate character studies and thematic concerns.
Synopsis
The plot centers on Juan Diego, a seasoned author journeying to the Philippines while confronting recollections from his formative years in Mexico. As highlighted by critic Ron Charles in The Washington Post, the narrative alternates between two periods: Juan Diego’s current trip undertaken to honor a longstanding vow and his teenage days in 1970s Oaxaca, Mexico. This intertwined timeline emphasizes motifs of remembrance, selfhood, and atonement.
Reception
At the time of its publication, Avenue of Mysteries garnered mostly favorable critiques. In the New York Times Book Review, novelist Tayari Jones commended its "steadfast faith in love and the restorative nature of human relationships," setting it apart from Irving’s earlier renowned works such as The Cider House Rules and A Prayer for Owen Meany. She characterized it as "distinctly contemporary, intellectually approachable, humorously unconventional, and deeply humane."
Kirkus Reviews presented a more measured assessment, describing it as "a pleasing return to form" though less gripping than Irving’s initial novels like The World According to Garp and The Hotel New Hampshire. Ron Charles noted Irving’s trademark combination of wit and sorrow, remarking on the book’s depiction of a "harsh, violent environment" tempered by a lightly humorous tone reminiscent of John Steinbeck's Cannery Row.
External links
- Avenue of Mysteries – Official website of the author
- Avenue of Mysteries – Publisher's Canadian page
- Avenue of Mysteries – US publisher's webpage
- Avenue of Mysteries – UK publisher's site
- John Irving interviewed by Jeanette Winterson regarding Avenue of Mysteries