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John Irving

A Prayer for Owen Meany

John IrvingFiction | 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

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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