In One Person Audiobook By John Irving cover art

In One Person

A Novel

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In One Person

By: John Irving
Narrated by: John Benjamin Hickey
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From the author of A Prayer for Owen Meany and The World According to Garp comes "his most daringly political, sexually transgressive, and moving novel in well over a decade" (Vanity Fair).

A New York Times bestselling novel of desire, secrecy, and sexual identity, In One Person is a story of unfulfilled love—tormented, funny, and affecting—and an impassioned embrace of our sexual differences. Billy, the bisexual narrator and main character of In One Person, tells the tragicomic story (lasting more than half a century) of his life as a "sexual suspect," a phrase first used by John Irving in 1978 in his landmark novel of "terminal cases," The World According to Garp.

In One Person is a poignant tribute to Billy’s friends and lovers—a theatrical cast of characters who defy category and convention. Not least, In One Person is an intimate and unforgettable portrait of the solitariness of a bisexual man who is dedicated to making himself "worthwhile."

©2012 Garp Enterprises, Ltd. (P)2012 Simon & Schuster Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Political Heartfelt Tearjerking

Critic reviews

"A profound truth is arrived at in these pages. It is Irving at his most daring, at his most ambitious. It is America and American writing, both at their very best.” (Abraham Verghese)
"His most daringly political, sexually transgressive, and moving novel in well over a decade." ( Vanity Fair)
“ In One Person is a rich and absorbing book, even beautiful.” ( Esquire)
All stars
Most relevant  
As with previous reviews, not for those offended by strong sexuality. Some of the jumping around at points within the narrator's life got confusing--I realize future happenings related to things in the past, but sometimes difficult to place things in a line.

I thought the pace of the story was quick and succinct, and the narration was well done. Of course there are great characters, the hallmark of Irving.

Point of contention with a previous reviewer. A complaint was made about a sexual encounter between a younger and older person (trying not to be a spoiler), and that this "abuse of a minor" was the key issue, rather than gender issues. I would like to point out that the youger person was 18 at the time, but still living with parents. I don't believe this constitutes sexual abuse legally or otherwise.

Not his best, but pretty good nonetheless.

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Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. I was not a fan of the reader.
I AM a huge Irving fan, but not this book. I just finished reading Son of the Circus and Twisted River, I didn't now there was a new Irving out. I was so excited, and now disappointed.

I also decided I do not like audio books, I just fall asleep.

Would you be willing to try another one of John Benjamin Hickey’s performances?

NO

Thumbs Down

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Irving has lost nothing of his humor nor unabashed irreverence. I found myself laughing out loud throughout the book. A great "READ"

Loved this book!

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John Irving treats his characters with respect. This is not voyuerism or sniggering in an alley at outrageous behaviour, it is an honest, funny and human treatment of a life that needs to be met on its own terms. I love this author and Mr. Hickey does a great job with the material. This is a great an worthwhile listen.

Being human is not strange

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Wow, how could anyone, except a homophobe, not like this book?! In true Irving style, this book just keeps getting better and better as you stick with it. The narration was excellent.

Loved it!

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I enjoyed the beginning of this book a lot! The writing is good throughout, but the plot just got too limited and predictable to be interesting.

Great start, then got predictable and kind of dull

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Hugely enjoyable set of characters and a narrative beautifully described. Extra nice as an audiobook, really well read.

Another great John Irving tale

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Is there anything you would change about this book?

Like most John Irving books I have read, the father of the main character is absent.

Any additional comments?

Every time my husband walked into the room while I was listening to this book, it was during an explicit homosexual scene. I endured a little bit of good-natured teasing. Maybe I should invest in earphones.

This book is an in-depth story about the coming of age and life of a bisexual man. It's interesting to hear about the point of view of a person whose experiences and feelings are so different from my own humble life. And yet, as a human being, he is just like the rest of us.

Listen in private. Not for homophobics.

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What made the experience of listening to In One Person the most enjoyable?

This book is read exceptionally well. Expression, cadence, intonation and characters are underlined exactly right. The book spans our society's view of sexuality, in particular, bisexuality, transgender and homosexuality, from the 50s to modern day. The attitudes, biases and development of society are skillfully woven into the tale. Irving's frank address of issues that are often whispered in secret is a refreshing breath of air.

What other book might you compare In One Person to and why?

I might compare it to Cider House Rules. Irving does not shy from difficult topics.

Have you listened to any of John Benjamin Hickey’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A story for education, tolerance and acceptance.

Any additional comments?

a wonderful read. 5 star

So Good!

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I'm writing this review mainly to praise the narrator. John B. Hickey's performance was nothing short of brilliant. His voices and characterizations brought each of the characters to life in a way that was incredibly compelling to listen to. I still can here him saying "aaaah well...." Mr. Hickey was able to channel a clear personality and sound to each character and brought each one to life that sounded absolutely genuine to the listener. This is a huge achievement and Mr. Hickey is obviously a tremendous voice talent. As for the material I'm a big fan of John Irving's works, and this story is good. I suppose one could say that he was courageous in a way to attempt to write this book, but his usual literary tools stood out as such and overall lacked something intangible that makes his writing attain the greatness he's had so many times.

Fantastic Narration! Good but not great story..

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