Queen Esther A Novel
Queen Esther A Novel by John Irving, published by Simon & Schuster on November 4, 2025, spans 432 pages in English. This novel revisits the orphanage in St. Cloud’s, Maine, where Dr. Wilbur Larch takes in Esther, a Viennese-born Jew whose life is profoundly affected by anti-Semitism. The narrative begins with Esther’s tragic beginnings in Vienna in 1905, detailing the loss of her parents and her struggles to find a family willing to adopt her. As she grows up, her journey intertwines with the Winslow family, who, despite not being Jewish, provide her with a sense of belonging and support.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of themes in Queen Esther, including identity, belonging, and the lasting effects of history on personal lives. The story follows Esther’s life from her childhood to her later years, culminating in a poignant chapter set in Jerusalem in 1981. John Irving’s sixteenth novel presents complex characters and intricate narratives, reflecting his ability to engage with significant social issues while exploring the depths of human experience. This edition offers a fresh perspective on Irving’s storytelling, making it a notable addition to the literary and political genres.
Official synopsis Publisher
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 is 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; in fact, he won’t find any family who’ll adopt her.
When Esther is fourteen, soon to be a ward of the state, Dr. Larch meets the Winslows, a philanthropic New England family with a history of providing foster care for unadopted orphans. The Winslows aren’t Jewish, but they despise anti-Semitism. Esther’s gratitude for the Winslows is unending; even as she retraces her roots back to Vienna, she never stops loving and protecting the Winslows. In the final chapter, set in Jerusalem in 1981, Esther Nacht is seventy-six.
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.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Queen Esther A Novel” about?
Who is the author of “Queen Esther A Novel”?
When was “Queen Esther A Novel” published?
What is the ISBN for “Queen Esther A Novel”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
