A Stirring Saga of a Modern Jewish Woman

A pre-recorded conversation with acclaimed author John Irving

Acclaimed author John Irving joined Rebecca Phillips, 70 Faces Media, on our virtual stage for an intimate conversation that is sure to capture your imagination.

After 40 years, John Irving returns to the world of his bestselling classic novel and Academy Award–winning film, The Cider House Rules, revisiting the orphanage in St. Cloud’s, Maine, where Dr. Wilbur Larch takes in Esther — a Viennese-born Jew whose life is shaped by antisemitism.

John Irving’s sixteenth novel is a testament to his enduring ability to weave complex characters and intricate narratives that challenge and captivate. Queen Esther is not just a story of survival but a profound exploration of identity, belonging and the enduring impact of history on our personal lives. It showcases why Irving remains one of the world’s most beloved, provocative and entertaining authors — a storyteller of our time and for all time.