Overview
“Few skewer sanctimony quite like Irving at his best. More important: I fell in love, once again, with his people.” —Peter Orner, The New York Times Book Review
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.
“A story that’s unmistakably Irving—amiably peopled, compellingly plotted and, above all, compassionate for its characters” (NPR).
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.
Not just a story of survival, but a profound exploration of coming of age, identity, belonging, and the enduring impact of history on our personal lives, Queen Esther “is richly textured with unforgettable characters, vivid settings, and familial love that will stay with you long after you put the book down” (The Jewish Book Council), showcasing why Irving remains one of the world’s most beloved, provocative, and entertaining authors—a storyteller of our time and for all time.
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.
“A story that’s unmistakably Irving—amiably peopled, compellingly plotted and, above all, compassionate for its characters” (NPR).
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.
Not just a story of survival, but a profound exploration of coming of age, identity, belonging, and the enduring impact of history on our personal lives, Queen Esther “is richly textured with unforgettable characters, vivid settings, and familial love that will stay with you long after you put the book down” (The Jewish Book Council), showcasing why Irving remains one of the world’s most beloved, provocative, and entertaining authors—a storyteller of our time and for all time.
While major retailers like Amazon may carry Queen Esther (A Novel), we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of Queen Esther (A Novel).