JOURNAL ARTICLE

Queen Esther.

  • Published In: Publishers Weekly, 2025, v. 272, n. 37. P. 48 1 of 2

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 2

Abstract

The article reviews "Queen Esther," a novel by John Irving that explores the life of Esther Nacht, a Viennese Jewish orphan, and her adoptive family in New Hampshire. Born in 1905, Esther faces significant tragedies early in life, including the loss of her father and mother, leading her to an orphanage run by Dr. Wilbur Larch. The narrative follows her journey from aiding a Zionist paramilitary group in the late 1930s to her involvement with the Israeli Defense Forces after Israel's independence in 1948, while also detailing the life of her biological son, Jimmy. The review notes that the novel lacks a clear focus, with extensive digressions that detract from the main storyline, although it highlights some humorous moments in Irving's writing. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Publishers Weekly. 2025/09, Vol. 272, Issue 37, p48
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0000-0019
  • Accession Number:188303635
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