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.

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.

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.

John Irving

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Chapters 1-3

A Prayer for Owen Meany Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-5

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Chapters 6-7

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Chapters 8-9

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A Prayer for Owen Meany Character Analysis

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A Prayer for Owen Meany

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