John Irving

Bestselling novelist John Irving, known for classics like The World According to Garp, discusses his latest work, Queen Esther, while highlighting the transformative power of reading. He shares insights into his writing process, emphasizing how secondary characters evolve in his stories. Irving reflects on political themes, notably his refusal to promote the book in the U.S. as a protest against Trump’s policies. He argues that reading is crucial in combating authoritarianism and shaping empathetic minds, a mission he hopes resonates with today's readers.