The World According to Garp is John Irving's fourth novel. Published in 1978, the book was a bestseller for several years. It was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction in 1979, and its first paperback edition won the Award the following year.
A movie adaptation of the novel starring Robin Williams was released in 1982, with a screenplay written by Steve Tesich.
BBC Radio 4's Classic Serial broadcast a three-part adaptation of the novel by Linda Marshall Griffiths in January 2014. The production was directed by Nadia Molinari and featured Miranda Richardson as Jenny, Lee Ingleby as Garp, Jonathan Keeble as Roberta and Lyndsey Marshal as Helen.
New England 1942. Garp is born to nurse Jenny Fields, who raises him alone. As Garp becomes a young man he falls in love with wrestling or more specifically, the wrestling coach’s daughter Helen. Helen will only marry a writer and so begins Garp’s journey into becoming a novelist. Unfortunately for him, his mother Jenny is writing something of her own. This compassionate coming-of-age story became a worldwide best seller and put Irving on the map as a leading novelist.
The World According to Garp 1-3
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Thanks!
A bit more info:
Jenny ..... Miranda Richardson
Garp ..... Lee Ingleby
Fat Stew/Ernie ..... William Hope
Cushie/Roxy ..... Lydia Wilson
Midge/Charlotte/Mrs Ralph ..... Charlotte Emmerson
Little Garp/Duncan ..... Adam Thomas Wright
Helen ..... Lyndsey Marshal
Pooh/Pock/Pooh Percy/Ellen James ..... Amanda Hale
Nurse/Mrs Poole ..... Carys Eleri
John Wolfe ..... John Guerrasio
Roberta Muldoon ..... Jonathan Keeble
Walt ..... Adam Greaves-Neal
Michael Milton ..... Harry Jardine
Jillsy/Sally/Jenny Garp ..... Emma Fielding
Directed by Nadia Molinari.
Episode 1:
New England 1942. Garp is born to nurse Jenny Fields, who raises him alone. As Garp becomes a young man he falls in love with wrestling or more specifically, the wrestling coach's daughter Helen. Helen will only marry a writer and so begins Garp's journey into becoming a novelist. Unfortunately for him, his mother Jenny is writing something of her own.
Episode 2:
Garp writes his first novel and marries Helen. When his mother publishes her autobiography she becomes a feminist icon overnight and Garp's adolescent adventures become public property. It isn't easy being the son of the famous Jenny Fields. Jenny inspires a whole generation of women, including the radical Ellen Jamesians. Lust, lunacy and loss thread their way through Garp's life as he vainly tries to protect those he loves.
Episode 3:
Jenny becomes a nurse again as she helps Garp to piece his life back together following the tragic car accident. Battling with loss and heartbreak, Garp finds salvation in his writing until violent and unexpected events strike.