The World According to Garp

novel by Irving

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July 16, 2026

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The World According to Garp is a 1978 novel by American author John Irving. It is celebrated for its engaging narrative, vivid characters, and blend of dark humor with contemporary themes. The novel chronicles the tragic life of T.S. Garp, a writer, and explores recurring motifs in Irving's work, such as private schools, wrestling, feminism, and absent fathers.

The book was a finalist for the National Book Award for fiction in 1979 and won the award in the paperback fiction category in 1980. It was adapted into a film in 1982, starring Robin Williams as Garp. The novel's success significantly established Irving's reputation as a prominent storyteller.12

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John Irving
…his reputation with the novel The World According to Garp (1978). As is characteristic of his other works, it is noted for its engaging story line, colorful characterizations, macabre humor, and examination of contemporary issues.
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…his reputation with the novel The World According to Garp (1978). As is characteristic of his other works, it is noted for its engaging story line, colorful characterizations, macabre humor, and examination of contemporary issues.
Read More

George Roy Hill
Later work
…based on John Irving’s picaresque best seller. Hill managed to transpose much of the book’s black comedy into a relatively coherent story, which was helped immensely by the acting of Glenn Close and John Lithgow. Although it received generally good reviews, the film failed to find an audience. Moviegoers also…
Read More
…based on John Irving’s picaresque best seller. Hill managed to transpose much of the book’s black comedy into a relatively coherent story, which was helped immensely by the acting of Glenn Close and John Lithgow. Although it received generally good reviews, the film failed to find an audience. Moviegoers also…
Read More