John Irving’s Upcoming Novel 'Queen Esther' Explores Jewish Identity and Historical Themes

Set for release in November, the book spans decades, following the life of a Jewish orphan from Vienna to Jerusalem, revisiting the setting of 'The Cider House Rules.'

John Irving’s 16th novel, 'Queen Esther,' will be published by Simon & Schuster on November 4, 2025.
The book follows Esther Nacht, a Jewish orphan from Vienna, whose life intersects with key historical events, ending in Jerusalem in 1981.
The novel revisits St. Cloud’s orphanage in Maine, a central location in Irving's acclaimed work 'The Cider House Rules,' but features a new cast of characters.
Irving emphasizes that the novel’s conception predates recent events in Israel and is rooted in his experiences and observations from the early 1980s.
At 82, Irving continues to break new creative ground, with his editor praising the novel’s bold storytelling and historical depth.