Reading Irving’s afterword where he reflects on writing helps me appreciate what a skilled and gifted writer he is. When I rank my top ten or twenty books there are several of his that makes the list. 'A Widow for one year' however is not going to rank as one of my favourite Irving reads. On many levels this is a major accomplishment as it is a lengthy and complex novel, but somehow it still fails to rank alongside some of his other works (Until I find you, Cider House rules, to name a few). At one point, about three quarters of the way through the book, I couldn’t help thinking that this is one long obsession with sex. Freud would have loved it.

That being said, I am sure many will disagree with me and Irving is as always an enjoyable and entertaining read.