⭐️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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

\\"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.\\"

After reading eight of Irving's novels now, I can easily understand why many people don't like him - he always writes about the same things.

There will always be a family, children and their losses. There will always be at least 500 pages. There will always be several main characters, among whom the author cannot choose a favorite. There will always be Hampstead. There will always be small people, there will always be bodybuilders and/or weightlifters. There will always be writers and prostitutes. There will be One. And there will definitely always be the quirks and oddities of society, some yucky little things.

Here Irving seems to be showing off - here is the New Hampstead, a somewhat contused family in which deaths occur, here again are the powerful characters, rising (or not) in weight, here the small people are playing one of the first roles (almost literally), the writer(s) are rising to the top, the prostitutes are revolving in One, and, of course, how could we be without quirks! This time, the role of Irving's quirks is played by addiction: its consequences, victims, the long-term traumas it causes, the struggle and itself, as if a separate character.

And I just don't understand how it's possible to always write, it seems, the same thing, it seems, the same way, but... differently? To always involve and scandalize like this?

After reading eight of Irving's novels now, I just have to admit that, well, if I've read so many, I might as well read to the end. Maybe even more than once. Because this is like home.

Well, well, maybe not home - I would like more peace there.

This is more like not home, but a... (wait for it) HOTEL, where when you come back, you know what's going on and why, it's quite comfortable here, but not quite beautiful; you're alone, but you're in the thick of it, you see the surroundings full of sounds, smells, sights. Here, suitcases are dragged along long corridors, there is the laughter and shouts of children, songs and other things, there are lived lives and their inhabitants, and breakfasts don't always last.

That's how Irving makes me feel, and "The Hotel New Hampshire" just perfectly represents that. Since I've already written about it, I won't go into too much detail, but I can't not mention: Irving is still a genius in writing and creating stories. Just for that, I'm not afraid to recommend.

“It is hard work and great art to make life not so serious.”

If you have delved into the works of John Irving before, you are well aware that his writing is often bizarre, overly tidy (usually), and not particularly realistic. However, if you can look beyond this aspect, there is a chance for you to relish his work. For me, it's a bit of a hit or miss. I have perused a couple of his books that I thoroughly enjoyed, while there are also a few that I detested. I have noticed that those I disliked are the ones he penned in the past 20 years.

“The Hotel New Hampshire” encompasses all the typical Irving characteristics. It presents a story that unfolds over many years, with a vast and diverse cast of characters. There are some rather ridiculous plot contrivances, a touch too much familial love for my personal preferences, a homoerotic fixation on male physiques, and a host of oddball characters. And yet, in this text, I found myself okay with all of it.

I can't really explain precisely why I liked this book, but I did. It took me approximately 50 - 60 pages to truly get into it and become somewhat invested, but once I did, I was hooked. I'm not entirely certain if I can single out a specific thematic significance in the text; it was simply a family saga. And that, in itself, is a significant subject to write about. For most of us, our families and the details of our daily lives are the very fabric from which our existence is woven. As one character remarks about the minutiae of daily life, “Thus we invent our lives”.

“The Hotel New Hampshire” chronicles the Berry family's journey, starting from the initial meeting of the parents at a resort in Maine and following through to the middle age of the surviving children of the marriage that emerged from that summer romance in Maine. I have been informed that this text shares many similarities with “The World According to Garp”, which I have not yet read. The second son in the family serves as our narrator. John Berry appears rather unwavering in his self-evaluations and those of the people he loves. It is somewhat refreshing to read a novel where the narrator (I don't think) has an ulterior motive. The plot is expansive, taking us from New England to Maine, then to Austria, to NYC, and back to Maine again. It's quite the adventure.

The book is a blend of some truly beautiful writing and several engaging storytelling elements, and at times, these two elements even intertwine seamlessly.

I haven't said a great deal that is crucial about this text. Nevertheless, it is a good read and a unique story. There aren't many authors writing in this style, and this novel from 1981 is one of the finer works of John Irving that I have had the pleasure of reading.

Irving was truly a modern writer. The unconventional family relations he depicted, such as the complex dynamics among family members that deviated from the norm, added a unique flavor to his works. The risky cross-border themes he explored, delving into the lives of prostitutes or revolutionaries in rather marginal environments, contributed to the real end-of-the-twentieth-century feel. Then there was the typical Irving ingredient of absurd characters and situations. These characters and situations, which would normally seem completely incredible, became a natural part of the story under Irving's pen. In short, Irving presented a cocktail of elements that made this novel "big". It gave the reader the feeling that he was truly learning something about the absurdity, complexity, harshness, and tenderness of the world and of life. His works offered a window into a different reality, one that was both captivating and thought-provoking.

I almost never do this, but I have to admit that I will not be finishing this book even though I have less than 100 pages to go. According to Goodreads, I'm 78% done.

I read through the first 150 pages in a day or so. While I wasn't overly impressed and didn't quite understand the 5-star reviews it received, I was still enjoying it. The characters were strange and the family was somewhat dysfunctional, which is something I usually like reading about.

However, when the second half of the book switches to Vienna, it really drags. Oh my god, does this book ever drag! And everyone becomes so flat. I'm not even sure how much time is passing at this point because everything just blends together and the narration completely falls apart.

I'm now 2-2 with Irving. I absolutely love "A Prayer for Owen Meany" and "The Cider House Rules"; I thought they were excellent. But "The Hotel New Hampshire" and "The World According to Garp" are just about the most painful books I've ever read. I've tried to read Garp 3 or 4 times as it's always highly recommended, but I found it truly awful. I don't even want to bother with the last 100 pages of this one as it's reading incredibly slowly. I may try to finish it at some point, but I highly doubt that less than 100 pages will change my opinion.