‘Avenue of Mysteries’ offers a rich tale

John Irving considers the numinous in 'Avenue of Mysteries,” the author's 14th novel. The novel is much concerned with the supernatural as represented by two revered virgins of the Catholic church and by two decidedly less than virginal women - the former of whom are important to the protagonist Juan Diego as a youth and the latter of whom are with him late in life.

In his novels, Irving, one of the best known alums of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, often revisits themes and ideas from his earlier work. This is certainly true in 'Avenue of Mysteries,” perhaps most notably in the person of Lupe, sister to Juan Diego. Lupe has a condition that renders her speech unintelligible to everyone but her brother. She has the ability to read minds and has a sense of the future, as well.

Both the unusual speech and the preternatural abilities will remind Irving fans of 1989's 'A Prayer for Owen Meany,” which is arguably the author's most popular work. But one need not be familiar that book (or any of the others that are alluded to in 'Avenue of Mysteries”) to enjoy and admire the new novel.

Iowa City, Coralville and the University of Iowa - again, as is often the case in Irving's novels - provide the settings for key scenes in the book. Local readers will likely appreciate Irving's detailed and loving portrayal of the area.

Irving's gift for telling compelling stories about characters who seem at once familiar and extraordinary is fully on display in 'Avenue of Mysteries.” As Juan Diego relives his past and grapples with his present - under the influence of pharmaceuticals and his two lovers - the reader is treated to a tale rich in incident and featuring fully realized characters.

That said, like much of Irving's work, the novel may not sit well with the devoutly religious (particularly those of the Catholic faith) nor with those troubled by explicit and varied sexual content. Nevertheless, 'Avenue of Mysteries” offers the immersive and recursive reading experience that defines Irving's most successful work.