Literary
The World According to Garp
The son of an outspoken nurse who became a feminist icon grows up to become a writer and wrestler. His family life is a stream of comic misadventures, accidents and tragedies.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1978
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 610
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like sprawling, outrageous family novels that swing between farce and grief.
Skip this if you want a gentle book, as the humour often arrives alongside sudden, shocking events.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The World According to Garp
- What is The World According to Garp about?
- The son of an outspoken nurse who became a feminist icon grows up to become a writer and wrestler. His family life is a stream of comic misadventures, accidents and tragedies.
- Who should read The World According to Garp?
- Read it if you like sprawling, outrageous family novels that swing between farce and grief. Skip it if you want a gentle book, as the humour often arrives alongside sudden, shocking events.
- How long and how fast is The World According to Garp?
- It is a medium-paced, long read of about 610 pages, first published in 1978.
- Does The World According to Garp have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Death, Child death, Infidelity, Sexual assault.
- Can I borrow The World According to Garp for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The World According to Garp; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The World According to Garp?
- Readers who liked it often move on to A Prayer for Owen Meany, The Corrections, Catch-22.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
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| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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