Avenue of Mysteries
Avenue of Mysteries
Book Brief
496
Novel • Fiction
Philippines • 1970s
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Avenue of Mysteries by John Irving, Juan Diego, an aging writer, travels to the Philippines, where he encounters two mysterious women, Dorothy and Miriam, who lead him on a journey that intertwines memories of his impoverished childhood in Mexico, his complex family relationships, and his career, culminating in a revelation about acceptance and transformation in his twilight years. The book involves themes of sexual relationships, death, and childhood trauma.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Fantastical
Reviews & Readership
16,827 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Avenue of Mysteries by John Irving intricately weaves magical realism and complex characters into a tapestry of memory and fate. Critics laud its richly detailed narrative and emotional depth but note its convoluted structure may challenge some readers. This novel's blend of humor, tragedy, and surreal elements paints a vivid literary picture, albeit occasionally disjointed.
Who Should Read Avenue of Mysteries?
A reader who would enjoy Avenue of Mysteries by John Irving is likely captivated by intricate storytelling that interweaves magical realism with deeply human experiences. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude or Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children would find this novel similarly compelling, as it explores themes of fate, memory, and destiny.
16,827 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Avenue of Mysteries was inspired in part by John Irving's own experiences with Jesuit priests and teachers during his education, reflecting his fascination and nuanced view of religious themes.
The novel intricately explores themes of memory and fate, with the protagonist's past memories coming alive in vivid dreams, showcasing Irving's signature blending of realism and the fantastical.
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John Irving, in Avenue of Mysteries, employs a narrative style that intertwines the main character's current journey in the Philippines with his childhood memories in Mexico, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that echoes his earlier works.
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496
Novel • Fiction
Philippines • 1970s
2015
Adult
18+ years
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