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The Last Chairlift cover art

The Last Chairlift

By: John Irving
Narrated by: Nancy Wu,Erin Ruth Walker,Travis Tonn,Natasha Soudek,Pete Simonelli,Aida Reluzco,Natalie Naudus,Chanté McCormick,Graham Halstead,Aden Hakimi,Em Grosland,Piper Goodeve,Chris Henry Coffey,Cassandra Campbell,full cast
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Summary

John Irving, one of the world’s greatest novelists, returns with his first novel in seven years—a ghost story, a love story and a lifetime of sexual politics.

In Aspen, Colorado, in 1941, Rachel Brewster is a slalom skier at the National Downhill and Slalom Championships. Little Ray, as she is called, finishes nowhere near the podium, but she manages to get pregnant. Back home, in New England, Little Ray becomes a ski instructor.

Her son, Adam, grows up in a family that defies conventions and evades questions concerning the eventful past. Years later, looking for answers, Adam will go to Aspen. In the Hotel Jerome, where he was conceived, Adam will meet some ghosts; in The Last Chairlift, they aren’t the first or the last ghosts he sees.

John Irving has written some of the most acclaimed books of our time—among them, The World According to Garp and The Cider House Rules. A visionary voice on the subject of sexual tolerance, Irving is a bard of alternative families. In The Last Chairlift, listeners will once more be in his thrall.

Full Cast: Nancy Wu, Erin Ruth Walker, Travis Tonn, Natasha Soudek, Pete Simonelli, Aida Reluzco, Natalie Naudus, Chanté McCormick, Graham Halstead, Aden Hakimi, Em Grosland, Piper Goodeve, Chris Henry Coffey, Cassandra Campbell, Raquel Beattie, Jacques Roy.

©2022 John Irving (P)2022 Simon & Schuster, UK

What listeners say about The Last Chairlift

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Tedious from the very start.

I started listening to this after reading the hype on Amazon. It was tedious from the very start. I don’t know if I liked the writing or the narration less. Even though I was working away from home and staying in a hotel and desperate for something to listen to I gave in quickly and listened to an old book I’d heard before. The blurb isn’t remotely reflective of the style of the book.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

A marathon but worth it

I love John Irving’s books but I almost gave up on this one early on. I’m so glad I persevered. It is a beautifully written book, complex and sometimes tricky to follow but I found myself totally immersed in it. As with all Audio books the narration can make or break them. I absolutely loved this narration. Overall a brilliant listen.

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1 person found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars

Boring - and misleading with narrated listing

This has to be the worst book I have ever listened to. It s not as indicated lots of ideas and effective plot but a reflection of a persons life that frankly has nothing to say. I wish I could have got my money back - I am an avid user of Audible but feel cheated by this one. I admit I have not listened to 32 hours but did try for several - I skipped forward to see I was just being bored by a very long intro but it just went on and on.
Will be wary of doing such a purchase again

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That was hard going

I don’t think I could have finished this book had I read it… I agree with a lot of comments that there didn’t seem to be any editing due to the many repetitions.

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  • Overall
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  • mr
  • 15-05-23

Tough but worth it

I loved the way this story unfolded and all the connections made between the characters. The screenplay chapters I personally found tough, but it was worthwhile persevering.

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Don't bother

Not worth your credit/cost and most importantly not worth wasting your time. Couldn't get past half way. Don't care about the characters, who knows where it is heading, but frankly who cares. avoid

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Good but too long

Not John’s best novel but he’s a great storyteller. I loved the complexities of this complex ‘family’ and their unconventional relationships and John explores LGBTQ +, sex and gender bravely. However, l felt some boundaries bordered on sexual abuse without challenge and this bothered me. I was also bored by the script writing interjections. Overall I’m glad to have listened as there was much to be enjoyed but…

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    4 out of 5 stars

A marathon read

This book has so many levels. It is LONG but don’t give up. I nearly did but it was so worth persevering. The characters are wacky but real. It is a portrait of an era but most of all carries a great message. ‘ There is more than one way to love someone’

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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A Struggle

I love John Irving’s works and have listened to all the audiobooks he’s released. This one was a struggle, and has been my least favourite. The story was good but there are (again) a large number of recycled plot elements, I found the endless “screenplay” elements and additional voice-cast particularly jarring and it is just way too long. I resorted to playing it at 1.2x speed just to get through it. Not one I’d revisit.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Can’t wait to listen again

This was another fantastic book from John Irving and the pace of the audio book was perfect.

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