Coalition’s READING ROOM: “Queen Esther,” by John Irving

 “Queen Esther” – by John Irving

After forty years, John Irving returns to the world of his bestselling classic novel and Academy Award–winning film, “The Cider House Rules,“revisiting the orphanage in St. Cloud’s, Maine, where Dr. Wilbur Larch takes in Esther—a Viennese-born Jew whose life is shaped by anti-Semitism.

Esther Nacht was born in Vienna in 1905. Her father dies on board the ship to Portland, Maine; her mother is murdered by anti-Semites in Portland. Dr. Larch knows it won’t be easy to find a Jewish family to adopt Esther.

John Irving’s sixteenth novel is a testament to his enduring ability to weave complex characters and intricate narratives that challenge and captivate. “Queen Esther“ is not just a story of survival but a profound exploration of identity, belonging, and the enduring impact of history on our personal lives showcasing why Irving remains one of the world’s most beloved, provocative, and entertaining authors—a storyteller of our time and for all time.

Our session will be hosted by Coalition member Ron Garfunkel, join us!