This analysis was generated by AI from publicly available reader reviews, literary criticism, and book discussions. It has not been verified by a BookLens community reviewer and may contain errors. Be the first to verify →
Content snapshot
Flag an inaccuracy →What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.
Violence
A lot
A gang rape; terrorist violence; deaths of multiple characters across the novel
Language
A lot
Strong adult language throughout
Sexual Content
A lot
A gang rape of a main character; incest (a romantic relationship between siblings); explicit adult content
Substance Use
Some
Heavy social drinking; some drug use in the Vienna section
Emotional Intensity
A lot
The psychological cost of trauma borne by the whole family; grief compounded throughout; incest as a serious narrative subject
What this book is about
Win Berry turns every building he occupies into a hotel—first in New Hampshire, then in Vienna, then back in America—while his family absorbs an extraordinary series of traumas. His daughter Franny is gang-raped by football players. His son John falls in love with Franny. A bear named Sorrow keeps reappearing, dead. A terrorist plot unfolds in the Vienna hotel. Irving's sprawling novel is his most extravagant blend of dark comedy and genuine horror, built around his recurring theme that life keeps serving the worst things up again and again, and the only response is to 'keep passing the open windows.'
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
A gang rape is a major plot event
Incest between siblings as a serious narrative element
Terrorist violence and deaths of beloved characters
Adults only
Reader Verification
Be the first to verify
this rating
Have you read The Hotel New Hampshire? Submit a community rating to confirm or correct the AI estimate. Your review helps other readers make an informed choice.
Rate this book →Free · ~5 minutes · No account required
Similar reads
More Romance books from the catalog.
Think this AI estimate is off?
Flag an inaccuracy →Where to Buy
Affiliate links — BookLens earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.