A Prayer for Owen Meany

by John Irving
A Prayer for Owen Meany cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4025
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780552776790
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2010-09-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

A Prayer for Owen Meany is a profound exploration of faith, destiny, and the power of belief. The novel follows the life of Owen Meany, a boy who, after accidentally causing a fatal accident, becomes convinced that he is an instrument of divine will. His unwavering faith and unique perspective on life shape the lives of those around him, including his best friend, John Wheeler, who narrates the story. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Cold War era, adding a layer of historical context to the personal and spiritual journey of its characters. /n/n The book is known for its blend of humor, tragedy, and deep philosophical questions. It delves into themes of fate, free will, and the nature of belief, all while maintaining a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged. The characters are richly drawn, and the story is told with a unique voice that captures the essence of small-town America and the complexities of human relationships.

Reviews
Reddit - r/books · 2025-10-20
brilliant 5.00

The book is described as smart, well-written, and profound. The reviewer is so impressed that they want to read it again, which is unusual for them.

The Reddit reviewer describes 'A Prayer for Owen Meany' as a smart and profoundly written novel that left a lasting impact on them. They mention that the book's depth and quality are so high that they feel compelled to read it again, which is something they rarely do. This high praise speaks to the novel's ability to resonate deeply with its readers.

Quick quotes

    It's such a smart, well written, profound book.

    I'm not one to re-read books usually, but I definitely wanna read this again.

    The book's depth and quality are so high.

Literary Morning · 2024-08-27
good 4.00

The novel is praised for its reflective nature and its exploration of coming-of-age themes. The themes of faith and fate are highlighted as particularly strong elements.

The reviewer from Literary Morning highlights 'A Prayer for Owen Meany' as a deeply reflective coming-of-age story. They appreciate how the novel weaves themes of faith and fate throughout, creating a rich tapestry of personal growth and introspection. The reviewer finds these elements to be the heart of the book, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    At its heart, though, the book is a coming-of-age story, and is very reflective.

    Throughlines on themes of faith and fate that hold all the ...

    The novel is praised for its reflective nature.

Words and Dirt · 2015-03-28
mixed 2.50

The novel is often praised, but the reviewer finds it overly dramatic and dull at times. Despite its flaws, the story of predestined heroism is compelling.

The reviewer from Words and Dirt acknowledges that 'A Prayer for Owen Meany' is frequently lauded, but they found it to be somewhat overwrought and self-serving. The narrative, at times, feels yawn-inducing, which detracts from the overall experience. However, the concept of predestined heroism and the journey of the protagonist are intriguing. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the themes explored, even if the execution sometimes falls short.

Quick quotes

    Owen Meany is a 'great' novel, one deserving the praise it often receives.

    But I found it overwrought, self-serving, and often yawn-inducing.

    The story of predestined heroism is compelling.

Tolitas Musings · 2014-12-13
engaging 4.00

The novel starts with a humorous and engaging tone that captures the reader's attention. The characters are well-developed and their quirks make them memorable.

The reviewer from Tolitas Musings highlights the novel's strong opening, which is filled with irreverence and humor. This sets a lively tone that keeps the reader engaged. The characters, particularly Owen and John, are portrayed with depth and authenticity. Their unique traits and convictions leave a lasting impression, making the story resonate long after reading. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to create such vivid and relatable characters.

Quick quotes

    The novel begins very promisingly.

    The opening chapters are doused with an irresistible irreverence that frequently raises a chuckle.

    The author's ability to create such vivid and relatable characters is commendable.

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