The World According to Garp

John Irving’s 1978 novel is a sweeping family saga filled with tragedy, humor, and pressing social themes. At the center of the story is T. S. Garp, the son of feminist Jenny Fields, who chooses to have a child without a husband. Garp grows up in a world of eccentric characters, literary aspirations, and the harsh realities of life. His journey is one of love, fatherhood, confronting fears, and seeking meaning in a chaotic world. The novel is packed with unexpected twists, profound reflections on family, gender, violence, and death, making it one of Irving’s most iconic works.