⭐⭐ (2/5)
Yikes. I never thought I’d give a John Irving novel two stars, but Queen Esther was a major disappointment.
Returning to the world of The Cider House Rules, Irving introduces Esther Nacht, a Viennese-born Jewish orphan whose father dies during their journey to Maine and whose mother is murdered by antisemites after their arrival. At the St. Cloud’s orphanage, Dr. Wilbur Larch struggles to find her an adoptive family. Eventually, Esther finds a home with the Winslows, whose kindness inspires a lifelong devotion, even as she returns to Vienna to explore her roots.
It’s a strong premise with plenty of potential. Irving touches on important themes, including antisemitism, identity, family, loss, adversity, and motherhood. Unfortunately, the execution falls short. Excessive commentary about genitalia becomes tiresome and distracts from the story’s more meaningful elements.
The entire novel needed stronger editing. Instead of a compelling, cohesive story, I found a jumbled, sprawling mess—and the ending only compounded my frustration.
Highly disappointing, especially coming from an author I never expected to rate this low. Sorry, Mr. Irving.
** Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a complimentary review copy. Opinions are my own.