Member Review
Review by
Michael B, Reviewer
Almost Queen Esther
John Irving's sprawling sixteenth novel, “Queen Esther,” is a frustratingly lopsided return to the familiar setting of St. Cloud's Orphanage from “The Cider House Rules.” While it revisits Irving's perennial themes, the critical consensus is markedly mixed, as the novel ultimately sidelines its most compelling creation—the titular Queen Esther—in favor of a conventional coming-of-age story.
John Irving, known for best works such as “The World According to Garp,” “A Prayer for Owen Meany,” “Hotel New Hampshire,” and “Cider House Rules,” typically delivers narratives rich with wit, dark humor, and brilliant imagination. His novel, “Queen Esther,” initially promises the same compelling qualities. The introduction centers on Esther Nacht, a Jewish girl born in Vienna in 1905. Following her father's death and her mother's murder by antisemites in Portland, Maine, Esther is orphaned in the United States. She is taken to Dr. Larch’s orphanage before the age of four. With Esther's assertive, no-holds-barred personality apparent from the start, the reader is set up for what seems to be quite an extraordinary journey.
Despite this promising start, the story of “Queen Esther” frustratingly sidelines its titular character, a baffling choice that defines the novel’s narrative problems. Esther’s adult life now is only hinted at through tantalizing suggestions of a legendary role as a Nazi hunter and leader in Israel's defense forces. Instead, the narrative focuses on her biological son, James "Jimmy" Winslow, who knows of Esther but has no personal relationship with her. His coming-of-age story encompasses his experiences as a wrestler and writer, his time in Vienna, and his attempts to evade the Vietnam draft.
As each chapter wore on, there was always the fading hope that Esther would bring Jimmy into her world, and we could see the exciting story that was unfolding. Disappointingly, Jimmy’s story, though agreeable, was consistently hampered by Irving’s unnecessary detours. These frustrating digressions, covering already-trodden ground like orphans, adoptions, abortions, found families, and the draft, significantly slowed the pace. The book would have been much stronger with some judicious editing.
Ultimately, "Queen Esther" is a sprawling and disappointing work. While John Irving's signature wit is present, the novel feels less like a focused narrative and more like a collection of his familiar preoccupations. The core tragedy is that the book's most compelling character, the fascinating Esther Nacht, is tragically relegated to the periphery. After a promising introduction centered on Esther, the author pivots to the more conventional arc of her son, making Esther merely a footnote in her own story. Fans will likely be left with a profound sense of letdown.
Rated 2.5 rounded up to 3.0 because passages are still so good.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley, for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #QueenEsther #NetGalley
John Irving's sprawling sixteenth novel, “Queen Esther,” is a frustratingly lopsided return to the familiar setting of St. Cloud's Orphanage from “The Cider House Rules.” While it revisits Irving's perennial themes, the critical consensus is markedly mixed, as the novel ultimately sidelines its most compelling creation—the titular Queen Esther—in favor of a conventional coming-of-age story.
John Irving, known for best works such as “The World According to Garp,” “A Prayer for Owen Meany,” “Hotel New Hampshire,” and “Cider House Rules,” typically delivers narratives rich with wit, dark humor, and brilliant imagination. His novel, “Queen Esther,” initially promises the same compelling qualities. The introduction centers on Esther Nacht, a Jewish girl born in Vienna in 1905. Following her father's death and her mother's murder by antisemites in Portland, Maine, Esther is orphaned in the United States. She is taken to Dr. Larch’s orphanage before the age of four. With Esther's assertive, no-holds-barred personality apparent from the start, the reader is set up for what seems to be quite an extraordinary journey.
Despite this promising start, the story of “Queen Esther” frustratingly sidelines its titular character, a baffling choice that defines the novel’s narrative problems. Esther’s adult life now is only hinted at through tantalizing suggestions of a legendary role as a Nazi hunter and leader in Israel's defense forces. Instead, the narrative focuses on her biological son, James "Jimmy" Winslow, who knows of Esther but has no personal relationship with her. His coming-of-age story encompasses his experiences as a wrestler and writer, his time in Vienna, and his attempts to evade the Vietnam draft.
As each chapter wore on, there was always the fading hope that Esther would bring Jimmy into her world, and we could see the exciting story that was unfolding. Disappointingly, Jimmy’s story, though agreeable, was consistently hampered by Irving’s unnecessary detours. These frustrating digressions, covering already-trodden ground like orphans, adoptions, abortions, found families, and the draft, significantly slowed the pace. The book would have been much stronger with some judicious editing.
Ultimately, "Queen Esther" is a sprawling and disappointing work. While John Irving's signature wit is present, the novel feels less like a focused narrative and more like a collection of his familiar preoccupations. The core tragedy is that the book's most compelling character, the fascinating Esther Nacht, is tragically relegated to the periphery. After a promising introduction centered on Esther, the author pivots to the more conventional arc of her son, making Esther merely a footnote in her own story. Fans will likely be left with a profound sense of letdown.
Rated 2.5 rounded up to 3.0 because passages are still so good.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley, for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #QueenEsther #NetGalley
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