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Title: An unpleasant surprise. A collosal disappointment
Review: I am a John Irving fan. I have read most of his previous books. I usually find his characters engaging, quirky, and complex. I am usually fascinated by the emotional twists and turns of his truly human characters and their believable, though sometimes fantastic circumstances. I was disappointed that "The Fourth Hand" did not live up to my expectations. In only a few pages after the introduction of each, I had learned everything I wanted to know about each character. I found none of them endearing, in the least. Mr. Irving's preoccupation with the sexual exploits of Patrick Wallingford seemed to overshadow any effort at character development. I hope that this disappointment is not a harbinger of the decline of a fine novelist.
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