In One Person

A Novel

By: John Irving

Narrated by: John Benjamin Hickey

Length: 16 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

A compelling novel of desire, secrecy, and sexual identity, In One Person is a story of unfulfilled love—tormented, funny, and affecting—and an impassioned embrace of our sexual differences. Billy, the bisexual narrator and main character of In One Person, tells the tragicomic story (lasting more than half a century) of his life as a “sexual suspect,” a phrase first used by John Irving in 1978 in his landmark novel of “terminal cases,” The World According to Garp.

His most political novel since The Cider House Rules and A Prayer for Owen Meany, John Irving’s In One Person is a poignant tribute to Billy’s friends and lovers—a theatrical cast of characters who defy category and convention. Not least, In One Person is an intimate and unforgettable portrait of the solitariness of a bisexual man who is dedicated to making himself “worthwhile.”

©2012 Garp Enterprises, Ltd. (P)2012 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"A profound truth is arrived at in these pages. It is Irving at his most daring, at his most ambitious. It is America and American writing, both at their very best.” (Abraham Verghese)

"His most daringly political, sexually transgressive, and moving novel in well over a decade." ( Vanity Fair)

“ In One Person is a rich and absorbing book, even beautiful.” ( Esquire)

Not his best, but pretty good nonetheless.

As with previous reviews, not for those offended by strong sexuality. Some of the jumping around at points within the narrator's life got confusing--I realize future happenings related to things in the past, but sometimes difficult to place things in a line.

I thought the pace of the story was quick and succinct, and the narration was well done. Of course there are great characters, the hallmark of Irving.

Point of contention with a previous reviewer. A complaint was made about a sexual encounter between a younger and older person (trying not to be a spoiler), and that this "abuse of a minor" was the key issue, rather than gender issues. I would like to point out that the youger person was 18 at the time, but still living with parents. I don't believe this constitutes sexual abuse legally or otherwise.

Thumbs Down

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. I was not a fan of the reader.
I AM a huge Irving fan, but not this book. I just finished reading Son of the Circus and Twisted River, I didn't now there was a new Irving out. I was so excited, and now disappointed.

I also decided I do not like audio books, I just fall asleep.

Would you be willing to try another one of John Benjamin Hickey’s performances?

NO

Loved this book!

Irving has lost nothing of his humor nor unabashed irreverence. I found myself laughing out loud throughout the book. A great "READ"

Being human is not strange

John Irving treats his characters with respect. This is not voyuerism or sniggering in an alley at outrageous behaviour, it is an honest, funny and human treatment of a life that needs to be met on its own terms. I love this author and Mr. Hickey does a great job with the material. This is a great an worthwhile listen.

Loved it!

Wow, how could anyone, except a homophobe, not like this book?! In true Irving style, this book just keeps getting better and better as you stick with it. The narration was excellent.

Great start, then got predictable and kind of dull

I enjoyed the beginning of this book a lot! The writing is good throughout, but the plot just got too limited and predictable to be interesting.

Another great John Irving tale

Hugely enjoyable set of characters and a narrative beautifully described. Extra nice as an audiobook, really well read.

Wonderful!!!! Another prayer or Owen Meany

Just finished listening and I loved In One Person. Irving has certainly produced a winner.It ranks with A Prayer For Owen Meany. As a 59 year old straight woman I loved all the characters with diverse sexual orientations. In one word great penithesis!! Hickey did a superb job with narration. I rarely listen to a book again but will come back to this one for sure. If you only read one novel this year let it be In One Person. Bravo John Irving!!!!

Beautiful story, beautifully done.

The story is so well written--sensitive, authentic, real. I loved its subject matter. Thank goodness this is coming out. Top rate work. Thank you.

ed miner

It is a great story. Speaker should go to German diction
coach first. As all John Irving books he can make you sad and laugh at the same time.