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59 pages 1 hour read

A Prayer for Owen Meany

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989

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Book Brief

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John Irving

A Prayer for Owen Meany

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989
Book Details
Pages

627

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Hampshire • 1950s-1980s

Publication Year

1989

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

990L

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Super Short Summary

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving is narrated by John Wheelwright and spans from the 1950s to 1968 in New Hampshire, and the present day, 1987, in Toronto. The plot centers on John's friendship with the diminutive and peculiarly voiced Owen Meany, who believes he is chosen by God and accurately predicts the date of his own death. Sensitive topics include death and war.

Mysterious

Emotional

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

339,347 ratings

81%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany is lauded for its compelling characters, intricate plot, and deep exploration of faith and destiny. Critics appreciate its blend of humor and tragedy, but some feel the narrative is overly long and meandering. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking and emotionally rich novel that resonates with many readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Prayer for Owen Meany?

Readers who appreciate deeply woven tales with rich character development, spiritual themes, and intricate plots will enjoy A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. Fans of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden and Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude will find similar resonance and depth.

4.3

339,347 ratings

81%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

John Wheelwright

The narrator and best friend of Owen Meany, who undergoes significant changes throughout the story due to Owen's influence on his life.

The titular character known for his small stature and distinctive voice, whose deep faith and sense of destiny dramatically affect those around him.

John's mother, remembered for her beauty, talent as a singer, and her mysterious past that impacts the story.

John's stepfather, a consistent and supportive presence in John's life who works at Gravesend Academy and supports both John and Owen.

John's first cousin, noted for her boldness and fierce personality, who becomes a significant part of Owen's life.

John's wealthy and proper grandmother, who plays a significant role in supporting John and develops a special bond with Owen.

The pastor at Gravesend’s Congregationalist church, characterized by his stutter and his theological debates with Owen.

Book Details
Pages

627

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Hampshire • 1950s-1980s

Publication Year

1989

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

990L

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