John Irving, the celebrated novelist known for his layered storytelling and advocacy for outsiders, discusses his latest novel 'Queen Esther' and reflects on his long writing career. Now 83 and living in Toronto, Irving continues his disciplined daily writing routine, drawing inspiration from his wrestling background and a deep sense of responsibility to represent marginalized voices. He remains outspoken in his political views, refusing to visit the United States in protest of the current administration, and is undeterred by criticism, believing that provoking strong reactions is a sign of originality. Despite mixed reviews of his recent work, Irving's commitment to writing remains unwavering, as he continues to tackle complex subjects and experiment with his craft well into his eighth decade.