Winemaker's Rules is one of the most famous works of John Winslow Irving, an American writer and screenwriter. He was born in 1942 in the state of New Hampshire, took a course at several universities: in Iowa, Vienna, Pittsburgh. Irving's literary career went uphill immediately after the publication of his first book, it was called Freedom to the Bears. Novelist then just turned 26 years old. Despite this young age of the author, the novel was more than favorably received by readers (in particular, Kurt Vonnegut praised him ). However, Irving received genuine recognition after the publication of the novel “The World Through the Eyes of Garp” in 1978, for which the writer was awarded the National Book Award. It was this moment that turned out to be a turning point in his life, and from a serious academic writer, Irving moved into the category of creators.
Some of his works ("The Rules of Winemakers", "Prayer for Owen Mini") were successfully filmed, for which the writer received several prestigious film awards.
George Irving, The Rules of the Winemakers
The book was published in 1985 and almost immediately hit the bestseller list. It is written in the genre of the epic novel and tells about the events taking place in the Manx orphanage. It is there that the central character of the story is born - Homer Wells. He does not know his parents, so the father is replaced by gynecologist Wilber Larch. A man takes care of Homer and teaches him everything that he knows. Kindness, mercy, ability to compassion - these are the basic covenants given to the child in childhood. When Homer grows up, he begins to dream about traveling, about other cities and countries. The turning point in the plot of the novel "The Rules of Winemakers" is the appearance of Candy Kendall, this dazzling blonde beauty is pregnant by military pilot Wally Warrington and makes an abortion in the shelter. Having succumbed to Homer's persuasion, they agree to take it with them, the young man is passionately passionate about Candy, but the idyll does not last long, and in the end the girl, moved by compassion and a sense of duty, remains with Wally.
"Rules of winemakers": developments
The doctor who raised the main character, all this time hopes that he will take his place, because the authorities can send a person who is opposed to abortion at any time. This cannot be allowed, because such a turn will inevitably lead to the fact that women will endanger their lives, trying to get rid of an unwanted child.
Issue
Most critics praised the "Rules of winemakers." The book, by all accounts, was distinguished by an exciting plot and deep social issues. One of the central themes of the work was the problem of abortion. Modern literary scholars draw a parallel to the novel with Oliver Twist by Dickens (motives of a shelter, abandoned child, loneliness).
Film adaptation
In 1999, Irving personally wrote the script for the film based on the novel (later he will receive the Oscar film award for this). By the way, the novelist left the role to himself, he played the station keeper, and his son Colin became Major Winslow. The image of Homer was brilliantly embodied by Toby Maguire.