A Son of the Circus

By: John Irving

Narrated by: David Colacci

Born a Parsi in Bombay, sent to university and medical school in Vienna, Dr. Farrokh Daruwalla is a 59-year-old orthopedic surgeon and a Canadian citizen who lives in Toronto. Periodically, the doctor returns to Bombay, where most of his patients are crippled children.

Once, 20 years ago, Dr. Daruwalla was the examining physician of two murder victims in Goa. Now, 20 years later, he will be reacquainted with the murderer.

©2007 John Irving (P)2007 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Ringmaster Irving introduces act after act, until three (or more) rings are awhirl at a lunatic pace....His Bombay and his Indian characters are vibrant and convincing." ( The Wall Street Journal)

"Irving's nimble humor springs from compassionate insights into cultural and sexual confusion and alienation, baffling questions of faith and purpose, and the kind of hope that thrives in even the most jaded atmosphere." ( Booklist)

"His most daring and most vibrant novel.... The story of circus-as-India is told with gusto and delightful irreverence." ( The Washington Post Book World)

Long tedious book

After reading A Prayer for Owen Meany I had expectations..... but alas, nowhere close. In it's own right a good story. But way to long. at one stage hoped that the various bad guys and "girls" will just die or get caught so that I dont have to read about them any longer.

Okay but overly long

To say I loved this book would be a lie. To say it was too long is not a lie.

I did like the characters in this book and liked the story to a pint BUT I think it could be edited down to half it's length.

John Irving Builds a Fascinating World Again!

I am always amazed at Irving's heights of imagination. And, A Son of the Circus does not disappoint. Hearing in the prologue that our author has never been to India, I was somewhat worried. But never fear, the world he paints while steeped in Mombai cultural references, is strictly his own and is without parallel in the real planet. And, that is what brings me back to him: improbable personalities living in impossible situations yet all is familiar and understandable. Don't know how he does it, but I certainly know how to enjoy a good read.
Each character is complete. The twists and turns of the "plot" with flashbacks and forwards is dizzying. A veritable 3-ring circus squared! And, so much fun.
Download this novel and get ready to lose yourself.

Great

Any additional comments?

My favorite Irvings are Owen and Cider House. Everything else is judged according to those yardsticks. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. At the outset he tells us his main character is uncomfortable in his native country. That discomfort is then allowed for the reader as he takes us deep into the mire that is modern-day India. Fantastic.

It dragged!

It took me a while to become invested in this story. It’s typical John Irving in it’s rich description. The topic, however, was not appropriate for an american author. Although the author explained in the beginning that this story was not about India, it, nevertheless had characters from India and it takes place mostly if not all in India. Not so sure I would buy it knowing what I know now.