Widow for One Year is a novel written by one of my favorite writers, John Irving. The story chronicles the first 37 years in the life of Ruth Cole and the people who touch her world. From the first paragraph of the first chapter, you realize that Ruth’s life will not be an ordinary one!
Ruth’s conception was born from a tragedy from which neither of her parents ever recovered. This event shapes her entire life. As events unfold in her life, Ruth becomes a novelist and achieves success and fame. But there is always a piece missing from her life. It isn’t until she reaches the age of 37 that all the pieces finally come together and she feels complete.
Along the way, there are the bizarre twists that only John Irving can make seem normal. This novel has it all – love, betrayal, joy, humor, sadness – even murder! Some of events that occur are seemingly unconnected or irrelevant to the overall story. But Mr. Irving’s style is to bring all those plot lines together and tie up all loose ends by the end of the novel. The characters are very developed. You’ll find yourself loving them one minute, getting angry with them the next minute, laughing with them, crying with them. But all the while, you’ll feel as if you live in their world with them.To my mind, this novel was like a female equivalent of The World According to Garp. If you’re familiar with this author, you will find this an enjoyable journey with Ruth and her friends and family. If you haven’t experienced John Irving as yet, this novel is a good choice for your first time. You’ll take a roller coaster ride through lives that are slightly off center but definitely worth the trip.
