The Fourth Hand by John Irving

A darkly funny and tender novel about fate, love, loss, and the strange ways we become whole again.
 
When a New York television reporter loses his left hand in a bizarre accident while on assignment in India, his shocking moment becomes a media sensation. But the real story begins when a brilliant surgeon performs the world’s first hand transplant—and the donor’s widow unexpectedly enters his life. As this strange relationship deepens, both must confront grief, desire, and the unpredictability of the human heart.
 
In The Fourth Hand, John Irving, the beloved author of The Cider House Rules and A Prayer for Owen Meany, crafts a novel that balances humor and heartbreak with his signature eccentric charm.
Patrick Wallingford, dubbed “the lion man” by the press, becomes an unlikely hero in a tale that explores the meaning of completeness—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As his life unfolds amid medical marvels, media frenzy, and romantic entanglement, Irving probes questions of morality, mortality, and what it means to love after loss.
 
Blending absurdity with poignancy, The Fourth Hand is classic Irving: full of unforgettable characters, richly layered themes, and a heart that beats beneath the satire.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
John Irving’s trademark mix of humor, tragedy, and tenderness.
A unique story of love, loss, and second chances.
Blends medical oddities, moral questions, and emotional truth.
Thought-provoking, funny, and deeply human.
Perfect for readers who enjoy literary fiction with wit and depth.
 
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of The Cider House Rules and The World According to Garp.
Readers who love emotionally rich, character-driven fiction.
Book clubs interested in morality, love, and the absurdities of fate.
Anyone drawn to literary storytelling that blends humor and heart.
 
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed The Fourth Hand, you might also like:
The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving — eccentric families and resilience.
The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe — media, morality, and satire.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman — heartwarming redemption through humor.