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The Hotel New Hampshire

john irving

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“The first of my father’s illusions was that bears could survive the life lived by human beings, and the second was that human beings could survive a life led in hotels.” So says John Berry, son of a hapless dreamer, brother to a cadre of eccentric siblings, and chronicler of the lives lived, the loves experienced, the deaths met, and the myriad strange and wonderful times encountered by the family Berry. Hoteliers, pet-bear owners, friends of Freud (the animal trainer and vaudevillian, that is), and playthings of mad fate, they “dream on” in a funny, sad, outrageous, and moving novel by the remarkable author of A Prayer for Owen Meany and Last Night in Twisted River.

520 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1981
Literary awards
national book award finalist, 
Places
new hampshire, vienna, new york city new york, 

This edition

Format
520 pages, Paperback
Published
January 6, 1999 by BLACK SWAN
ISBN
9780552992091
ASIN
0552992097
Language
English
Characters More characters

More editions

About the author

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john irving

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JOHN IRVING was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, in 1942. His first novel, Setting Free the Bears, was published in 1968, when he was twenty-six. He competed as a wrestler for twenty years, and coached wrestling until he was forty-seven.
Mr. Irving has been nominated for a National Book Award three times—winning once, in 1980, for his novel The World According to Garp. He received an O. Henry Award in 1981 for his short story “Interior Space.” In 2000, Mr. Irving won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Cider House Rules. In 2013, he won a Lambda Literary Award for his novel In One Person.
An international writer—his novels have been translated into more than thirty-five languages—John Irving lives in Toronto. His all-time best-selling novel, in every language, is A Prayer for Owen Meany.
Avenue of Mysteries is his fourteenth novel.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
29(29%)
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40(40%)
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31(31%)
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100 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
paperstarxo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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⭐️3.5/5

What an experience! It is a brilliant story. It is about a family with 5 children who grow up in hotels. And there are always bears around.

It reads extremely fast and some parts are absurd and really funny. However, some other parts are truly bad and awful. A specific part, which takes place between John and Franny, in my opinion, he could have really done much better without it.

I thought the character development was a bit mediocre. The book takes place over about 15 years during which those children all grow up. But I don't think they really become more mature in the book. I deduct a point for the racism and the way he writes about women. It still remains just really a bit of a white American man's perspective.
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direday34
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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It might be the wrong era for a plunge into the strange universe of Irvine and his heroes.

Irvine's fictional world is filled with unique characters and extraordinary adventures.

However, in this modern age, with its fast-paced lifestyle and different values, it could be a challenge to fully appreciate and understand the essence of his creations.

The heroes of Irvine's stories often face complex moral dilemmas and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Their actions and decisions may not always resonate with the sensibilities of today's readers.

Nevertheless, there is still something to be gained from exploring Irvine's universe.

It can offer a glimpse into a different time and a different way of thinking.

By delving into his works, we can expand our own perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the human condition.

So, while it may be the wrong era in some ways, it could also be an opportunity for a new and exciting literary exploration.

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Uthred
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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My first encounter with John Irving's novel "The Hotel New Hampshire" I can no longer precisely date. I only know that I found the story and its way of being told to be wonderfully different and delightfully quirky in a positive sense. And it gets even better with Rufus Beck as the narrator.

The content can be easily looked up on the corresponding Wikipedia pages. The story is about John, the middle child of the five Berry children. Several hotels named New Hampshire are founded, none of which is a financial success. Bears and dogs play an important role. Themes such as rape and violence in general, as well as prostitution, are recurring motifs. Antisemitism, Freud in Vienna, suicide, terrorism, homosexuality, literary cross-references such as to "The Great Gatsby" - Irving has filled his novel with symbolism and cross-references. What initially seems grotesque, on a second more thoughtful look, appears meaningful and philosophical. Dramatic scenes alternate with unbelievable and funny events, it is a constant seesaw of emotions. All the while, the question is always present whether the narrator can still be serious, so surreal is the plot sometimes. Against this sometimes absurd background, the characters in their diversity are all exciting and loveable. Not everyone's story has a happy ending, but above all it is the Berry family system and their love for each other that makes "The Hotel New Hampshire" such a special reading experience.
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Zagronot
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I truly despised this book.

From the very first page, it failed to capture my interest. The story seemed dull and unoriginal, lacking any real excitement or intrigue.

The characters were poorly developed, and I found it difficult to connect with them on any level. Their actions and decisions felt forced and unrealistic, making it hard for me to invest in their journey.

The writing style was also a major turn-off. It was dry and overly simplistic, lacking the depth and nuance that I look for in a good book.

Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone. It was a waste of my time and I regretted ever picking it up in the first place.

I hope that future books I read will be more engaging and enjoyable, and will not leave me with such a negative impression.
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nate_iskm
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Colorful characters in this work grapple with angst, incest, and mental disorders, astonishing literary critics. Irving showcases an impressive range. However, "The Hotel New Hampshire" is overly quirky and lacks believability, even as a metaphor for growing up. The dominant tone in this novel is misanthropy. Needless to say, this creates discordant music, even in the hands of a highly skilled writer like Irving.


There are indeed some deeply moving paragraphs in the book, such as the affectionate recollection of an old football lineman who was small for his position. But if the novel aims to convey something profound about modern or postmodern relationships, I'm not embarrassed to admit that I failed to understand. Surreal is one thing; cruel is another. The overly hip nihilism of this novel left me fatigued. Even Pat Conroy, who is no stranger to dysfunction, treats his characters with greater respect. That's why I feel sorry for the Berry family, who have to endure the hardships that John Irving forces upon them. They try to fight it with their steely knives, but they just can't kill the beast.


If given the option between staying at John Irving's Hotel New Hampshire or Alfred Hitchcock's Bates Motel, I would take my chances with the Bates Motel.

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Fyrebirdi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is yet another remarkable masterpiece penned by Irving. This time around, it delves deep into the significance of family life.

The chronicle closely tracks the large and vibrant Berry family. They are the proprietors of three incarnations of the eponymous hotel. First, it was located in New Hampshire itself. Then, they expanded to Vienna in Austria. And finally, they established a presence in Maine, USA.

Throughout the narrative, everyday family life is constantly on display. It vividly emphasizes the crucial importance of tribal cohesion, particularly during challenging and trying times. The Berry family's experiences and interactions serve as a powerful reminder of how a strong family bond can withstand the tests of time and various difficulties.

Irving's portrayal of the Berry family's story is both engaging and thought-provoking, making readers reflect on the value and significance of their own family lives.
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Frikami18
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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"Classical" John Irving book.


John Irving is a renowned author, and this particular book of his can be considered a "classical" work. It has a great deal in common with two of his other notable books, namely Garp and The Cider House Rules. The writing style in this book features casual storytelling, which makes it easy and engaging to read. The characters are also highly sympathetic, drawing the readers in and making them care about their fates. Irving has a remarkable ability to create complex and relatable characters that readers can easily identify with. If you have already read and enjoyed Garp and The Cider House Rules, then you will most definitely love this book as well. It offers the same kind of literary charm and emotional depth that Irving is known for. So, don't miss out on this wonderful piece of literature.

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WeabooJones666
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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\"Kummer schwimmt obenauf, Liebe auch, und – letzten Endes – auch das Unheil. Es bleibt obenauf.\" This profound statement sets the tone for the captivating journey within the pages of Das Hotel New Hampshire.


Although the at times rough language in the book initially struck me, it was an incredibly wonderful time spent with the Berry family. The story is filled with numerous great scenes, memorable quotes, and thought-provoking ideas. On my next reading, I must truly take a pen and mark more.


From one hotel to another, the narrative builds and intensifies. Somehow, I am sad that I can only accompany the characters up to this point. Their adventures and misadventures have become so real to me. I find myself longing for more, eager to see what lies ahead for them. This book has truly left an indelible mark on me, and I know it will be one that I will return to time and time again.


\"Kummer schwimmt obenauf, Liebe auch, und – letzten Endes – auch das Unheil. Es bleibt obenauf.\"
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