The World According to Garp

Historical Context and Significance

The World According to Garp is one of John Irving's most iconic works, published in 1978. The book had a significant impact on American culture at the time, addressing themes of feminism, sexuality, and the complexities of family relationships in modern society. The work quickly became a bestseller and helped solidify Irving's reputation as one of America's leading writers. The book received several literary awards and remains an important and discussed work, inspiring reflections on the nature of identity, family ties, and societal norms.