logo
pagesback-cover
180
Reddit meter
all mentions

The Hotel New Hampshire

432 pages, 2018

fiction

fiction

1382 books
Takeaways
Description

The New York Times bestselling saga of a most unusual family from the award-winning author of The World According to Garp. 

“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. 

The Power of Family

In The Hotel New Hampshire, John Irving explores the importance of family bonds. Despite the Berry family's eccentricities and the numerous challenges they face, their love and support for each other remain constant. This book encourages us to appreciate our own families, with all their quirks and imperfections.

Overcoming Adversity

Irving's characters face a lot of adversity, from personal tragedies to societal pressures. But they never give up. They show us that it's possible to overcome even the most difficult circumstances, and that resilience and determination can lead to unexpected rewards.

The Unpredictability of Life

Life is unpredictable, and The Hotel New Hampshire is a perfect example of this. The Berry family's journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns, reminding us to always be prepared for the unexpected. It's a lesson in embracing change and making the most of the opportunities life throws our way.

The Importance of Dreams

John Irving emphasizes the importance of dreams and ambition in this book. The Berry family's dream of owning a hotel drives their actions and decisions. It's a reminder for us to chase our own dreams, no matter how big or small they may be.

The Complexity of Human Nature

The Hotel New Hampshire gives us a deep look into the complexities of human nature. Irving's characters are flawed, yet relatable. They make mistakes, learn, grow, and evolve, just like real people. This book encourages us to accept and understand our own complexities and those of the people around us.

Recommendations

1
authorAmanda Palmer

Amanda Palmer

musicianauthor