THE LAST CHAIRLIFT

4 stars out of 5

It's been a long while since I've read a book by this author, but I remember enjoying those I did and looked forward to diving into this one. It took awhile, but it's well worth it - interesting and well-written.

I'm not even going to try to provide many details; basically, it's a life story told by Adam, the son of slalom skier Rachel Brewster. Back in 1941, in Aspen, Colorado, to participate in championship downhill and slalom races, Rachel ends up with no medals but instead a euphemistic bun in the oven - Adam, born in 1942. Years go by, and Adam returns to Aspen and the Hotel Jerome (where reportedly he was conceived by a still-unknown father). Despite a reasonably supportive rest of the family and friends, Adam understandably wants to know who his father was; the story follows Adam's experiences and observations (told as only this author can do) over a period of 80 years and many, many intriguing characters, not a few of whom are ghosts. As with many lengthy books, it gets repetitious in spots, but that really doesn't get in the way of enjoyment and awe of the author's considerable writing talent.

If you enjoy a really good story and have plenty of time, this book really is worth the effort. I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

The Last Chairlift by John Irving (Simon & Schuster, October 2022); 908 pp.