A Widow for One Year

In this novel, readers follow Ruth Cole through three significant periods of her life: her childhood on Long Island in 1958, her struggles as an unmarried woman in 1990, and her journey as a forty-one-year-old widow and mother in 1995, on the brink of love for the first time. The narrative is both elegiac and sensual, weaving a multilayered love story filled with emotional depth. Critics praise its compelling blend of humor and tragedy, highlighting its exploration of life's complexities and the resilience required to move forward. The story is described as sprawling, featuring intricate plotlines, unexpected coincidences, and rich character development. Irving's ability to navigate moral dilemmas and his mastery of the omniscient point of view are noted as exceptional. The novel is celebrated as one of Irving's finest works, likened to a warm bath that invites deep immersion. With its mix of old-fashioned storytelling and modern sensibilities, the book stands as a testament to the enduring challenges of love and loss, making it a powerful and memorable read.