For sure! I think I’d classify it as a Bildungsroman because even though he does stay mired in the past, it does detail his psychological and moral changes as he grows. I think the experiences of growing up during the Vietnam War inform his views towards modern politics and international affairs. All that said, I think you are spot on that he does remain stuck in the past. I think that may be indicative of many of the Vietnam War generation who were so closely affected. And oh I loved Cider House! Probably my second favorite after Owen Meany. All that said, I read Owen Meany in the summer in between high school and college, and I feel it may be impossible to separate my interpretation from the specific time in my life I read it.

And yeah Irving does have a ‘a thick’ so to speak, but I think it slightly changes as he ages and perhaps comes to terms with those details of his life. It’s interesting that like John from Owen Meany, he also moved to Canada and has strong feelings towards his government. I suppose life can sometimes imitate art!