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Join us for a remarkable evening with internationally acclaimed author, John Irving, as he presents his sixteenth novel, Queen Esther – a powerful return to the world of his beloved classic The Cider House Rules. Spanning from Vienna in 1905 to Jerusalem in 1981, Queen Esther traces Esther Nacht’s extraordinary journey: from her early orphanhood and the care of Dr. Wilbur Larch, to her enduring bond with the philanthropic Winslow family, to her own reckoning with history, faith, and identity. With characteristic depth, humour, and humanity, Irving crafts a story that confronts anti-Semitism while celebrating the enduring strength of love and loyalty.

In conversation with Marsha Lederman, Irving will reflect on the inspirations behind Queen Esther, the novel’s connections to The Cider House Rules, and the themes that have defined his illustrious career. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear one of the world’s most celebrated storytellers.

TIFA Presents an Evening with John Irving is presented by Knopf Canada, Miles Nadal JCC, The Speakers Annex and the Toronto International Festival of Authors.

TIFA Presents 2025 Season is generously supported by Presenting Donors Beth Nowers and Jack Curtin.

Queen Esther

After forty 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.

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Published by Knopf

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John Irving

John Irving was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, in 1942. His first novel, Setting Free the Bears, was published in 1968, when he was twenty-six.

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Dates & Times

Mon, Dec 1

7:30pm

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8:30pm

Tickets

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Venue

Isabel Bader Theatre
93 Charles St West, Toronto, ON