About this title: Irving's first novel, written when he was 25, is about two university students in Vienna who want to liberate the animals at the local zoo.
Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is described below.
Binding: MASS MARKET PAPERBACK
Publisher: Ballantine Books
ISBN-13:9780345367419ISBN:0345367413
Description: Very Good. 0345367413 Great condition paperback book, clean pages, mild creases to spine, some edge/corner rubs, this book is GREAT! Shop & Save With US. read more
Description: Good. 0671440012 100% guaranteed. Good shape with a tight spine, creased spine, creased cover, worn cover, bent corners on cover, yellowing pages, clean pages, and shelf wear. We work hard to make you happy. read more
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Pocket Books
Date Published: 1979
ISBN-13:9780671822552ISBN:0671822551
Description: Good. NOT an ex-library; small inward spine roll; some darkening of the white cover; moderate age color on otherwise very decent pages. read more
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Date Published: 1990
ISBN-13:9780345367419ISBN:0345367413
Description: Acceptable. Overall below average used book. May have highlighting, underlining, notes, price sticker on cover, or be an ex-library book. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Pocket
Date Published: 1979
ISBN-13:9780671822552ISBN:0671822551
Description: Good. -2nd Printing--340 pgs. Interior-Nice overall condition. The paperback cover has light signs of use. -Publish Place: New York-Size: 12mo-over 6¾"-7¾" tall. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Pocket
Date Published: 1979
ISBN-13:9780671822552ISBN:0671822551
Description: Good. -3rd Printing--340 pgs. Interior-Nice overall condition. The paperback cover has light signs of aging. -Publish Place: New York-Size: 12mo-over 6¾"-7¾" tall. read more
"Another re-read for the Fall Challenge. With the re-reads I am quite interested to see if the novels hold up for me.
Clearly my memory of fondness for this book was greater than the story itself. **scratches head in puzzlement**. I think the issue is the fact that I have now read so many stronger novels by Irving that this one doesn't hold up in comparison. While I recognize each book as an individualI read Irving's books from the beginning in the late 80's (dating myself, I know) and (in my mind)enjoyed all of them. Revisiting this book allowed me to see how much Irving has progressed with his writing, though his clear ability for unique story ideas has sustained. I do feel anyone who is a fan of Irving would gain perspective from reading all of his works, not just the 'big' ones. I rate this novel 2.5 stars."
"The first third was a little hard to follow, with all of the zany antics of the two protagonists. But the second third was great, as the insane history of Siggy's family and the zoo-watch made much of what happened in the first part easier to understand. The rest was very entertaining, but also sad. This is the third John Irving book I have read, and all of them so far have involved the death of a main character in a heroic or martyr-ish fashion (owen meany and jenny in "garp", and now siggy). I am wondering if that is a common theme in all of his books."
"To me this just wasn't Irving at his best. Could I tell that it was an Irving novel: absolutely. Familiar themes popped out at every turn. The middle section (Siggy's autobiography) just slowed up the story to a point that I had to read a few books in between which is something I never do. The ending made up for it, somewhat. I definitely wouldn't recommend it for someone who asked for a good Irving book."
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