Rating: 
Summary: 3 stars considering "Owen" and "Cider House" deserve 5
Review: Since "Son of the Circus" is the only John Irving book I've not been able to finish, it was great to be once again enthralled with one of his novels. While "Widow" may not his most ambitious effort, it is probably his most accessible. I hope for first time Irving readers, this novel will lead them back to "Garp," "Owen" and "Cider House." I was most fascinated by the character of Harry, a READER. For as much as Irving bemoans the fates of writers, he exalts the position of a READER. Being both a writer and a reader, and having far more success as a reader, I was thrilled to meet a character as obsessed with books as I am. I enjoyed most of the characters, though none were as deeply drawn as characters in other Irving books. I have mixed feelings about Ruth and the way Irving portrayed her--but I thought her largely sympathetic. As always with Irving, though (except for "Circus"), it is refreshing to read a book that sounds as if a story is being read TO you, as well as BY you. He's one of the greats.
Rating: 
Summary: Do any Amazon readers really READ a novel?
Review: This may be my last review at Amazon. I am so completely disheartened by the "observations" of the other readers. A Widow for One Year is a novel of writers, writing and being at odds at living a real life and that of a writer's life. How does one live as an observer and creator and still find time for the spontaneity of an actual life? All of these elements come into play for all the writers in the book: Ruth, Eddie, Ted and Marion. Over and over we are reminded that these characters are writers writing about their lives, writing about the lives of their friends. It is only when we, as readers, follow Ruth to Amsterdam that this crucial difference between observer and active participant becomes potentially tragic. Yes, Irving is always writing about sex and the unseemly. Wasn't anyone paying attention to Ruth's (and his own) comments on the unseemly and how the majority of the world feels about those ugly and uncomfortable events in life? Yes, Irving makes parenthethical comments - this is his style and can be found in ALL of his work. Doesn't anyone pay attention, really read a novel anymore? I sympathize with the scenes in which Ruth must deal with her critic/readers at her readings. Often these scenes look like a page at Amazon - all whining because the work is not like the previous, all castigating for the absence of character types (mothers) and profundity. Irving and Ruth are storytellers. Some stories are simple, some are complex. All are different in their own way. No one on these pages wants to allow for individuality. Those who are slamming this novel, finding it anticlimatic and disappointing, seem to be heady intellectuals that Irving and Ruth satirize throughout the novel. Go read DeLillo and Roth. I prefer Irving.
Rating:
Summary: John Irving takes a step into the unknown: Women.
Review: Irving's latest and much-awaited book is very good as a novel, but a slight disappointment to this fan. With his first female leading character, Irving shows that he has a ways to go in the way of development. His understanding of characters and motivation is what draws readers. However, compared to his other books, (A Prayer for Owen Meany is my absolute favorite book) Widow falls short. His obsession with breasts, for example, is not consistent with most women's experiences. Which is not to say that this is a good book. It's great and shows again how imaginative he is as a writer. This book is just not up to Irving's past standard.
Rating: 
Summary: Few bright moments in a dull book
Review: I can't imagine how people who had a hard time with "Son of the Circus" (which was one of Irvings best) could love this book. I'm amazed that Irving could write anything this bad. Had it not been an Irving Novel I could not have forced myself, as I did, to finish it.
Rating: 
Summary: Utterly engrossing.
Review: John Irving has been my favorite author since I was sixteen years old. I now read my original copy of GARP in sections--the binding has long since cracked apart--which makes it quite handy to take to the beach. I have a two-year-old child, and haven't been able to read an entire book in, well, two years. I tore through WIDOW in fewer than 48 hours, and when I finished it, I cried. Yes, it suffers from a less-than-vividly-realized protagonist, a lack of steam near the end--and there will always be those Irving fans who decry "happy endings,"--but this book ranks right up there, folks. Read it, as I did, and weep!
Rating: 
Summary: Not up to Irving standards
Review: "Widow" was nothing like his other novels. I am a big Irving fan and miss his Owen Meany-type novels. Reading this book was a total waste of my time. Unfortunately, I will think twice before buying another Irving book.
Rating:
Summary: Narrative voice sparkles again
Review: I must say briefly that the story telling in A Widow for One Year" is a nice return to form. Although I liked the story of "Son of a Circus", I didn't feel like I was being told a story. Like A Prayer For Owen Meany, A Widow for One Year is great storytelling. There is a sense of freedom to the voice which lends the novel its playful and mischievious -- and at times brutal -- direction.
Rating:
Summary: Funny scenes, but contrived coincidences diminish effect.
Review: John Irving is as wonderful as ever at creating colorful characters and laugh-out-loud funny scenes, but in this book his use of coincidence takes away from the humor. In addition, at times I felt that the characters were out of character. At the end of the first section, Eddie was finding a voice and becoming more assertive. It seemed pointless to describe that development considering the kind of man he became during the final two sections of the book. It was a fine book; I think I just expected more.
Rating:
Summary: No! No! No!
Review: I am a huge Irving fan who reads most of his novels at least once every two years, but I have to be honest: "Widow" (along with "Son of the Circus") will probably be a once every three or four year read. Like so many, I loved the first section; it is Irving at his best - the characters are rich and their hearts are alive. But once everyone grows up, the tale turns into a disaster. So much of a disaster I wonder if Mr. Irving isn't playing some sort of a game with us. Immediately after closing "Widow" - like someone washing down horrible tasting medicine with their favorite beverage - I began to swallow up the glory of Owen Meany again; Franny and Family will follow.
Rating:
Summary: Put down Clancy and Grisham
Review: I had forgotten how good Irving writes. As a library worker and an avid reader I was totally capitivated by this book. Unlike the authors who simply grind out a new book every year,good or bad, and get paid millions, Irving really tells wonderful stories. How refreshing.
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