Plot Summary

The Hotel New Hampshire

John Irving
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The Hotel New Hampshire

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1981

Book Brief

John Irving

The Hotel New Hampshire

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1981
Book Details
Pages

401

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Various, USA • 1950s

Publication Year

1981

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving follows the eccentric Berry family, as narrated by John Berry, after their father, Win, buys and runs a hotel in New Hampshire. As the family navigates various personal and emotional challenges, their journey extends to Vienna after a tragic event, revealing deeper complexities in their relationships and leading them to return to America to start anew in New York City. Topics include incidents of sexual violence and trauma.

Gritty

Bittersweet

Dark

Melancholic

Humorous

Reviews & Readership

4.1

67,862 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

John Irving's The Hotel New Hampshire offers a blend of dark humor and poignant storytelling, creating a unique family saga. Reviewers praise the novel's rich, eccentric characters and emotional depth. However, some critique its occasional implausibility and uneven pacing. Overall, it's a compelling read for those who appreciate Irving's distinctive style.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Hotel New Hampshire?

Readers who enjoy The World According to Garp by John Irving or A Prayer for Owen Meany will likely be captivated by The Hotel New Hampshire. This book appeals to those drawn to quirky, complex family sagas with a blend of dark humor and poignant moments, similar to the works of J.D. Salinger or Kurt Vonnegut.

4.1

67,862 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

401

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Various, USA • 1950s

Publication Year

1981

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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