A Prayer For Owen Meany
John Irving
Absolutely, without doubt, one of my all-time favorite books. A Prayer For
Owen Meany is one of those books that can be read at many levels. Owen
Meany inspired the 1998 movie Simon Birch but, as the wise one once said,
“Never judge a book by its movie.” Although Irving is sometimes a challenge
to follow (he’s no Janet Evanovich), any effort on the reader’s part is well-
rewarded. A Prayer For Owen Meany is definitely not your typical book, but
then none of Irving’s books are typical.
Owen Meany is one of the most memorable characters I have ever come
across in any book. Owen and Johnny Wheelwright (the narrator) are friends
in New Hampshire in the 1950s. They have a unique bond which is due in
part to Owen's extraordinary presence. Owen, a dwarfed child, has a
strange voice (his dialogue is WRITTEN IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS) that
chills most people (including Johnny's grandmother), but he also has an adult-
like wisdom and understanding. The bond between Owen and Johnny is
sealed by a freak accident when Owen hits a baseball, killing Johnny's
mother.
As they grow up, it becomes clear to Johnny that Owen thinks he is guided by
God. The accident with Johnny's mother is just one incident that ultimately
will lead Johnny to find his own faith.
There are moments of stinging humor in the novel as well as moments of
sadness. Although the majority of the story centers on Johnny's childhood, it
continues through his high school and college years. As expected for the
setting, Kennedy and the Vietnam War become important themes throughout
the story. A rollicking entertainment, Owen Meany is also a meditation on
literature, history, courage and God.
I will always remember Irving’s stunning foreshadowing as well as his
beautiful imagery. The story not only challenged me on an intellectual basis,
but also on a philosophical one.
/tdw/
John Irving
Absolutely, without doubt, one of my all-time favorite books. A Prayer For
Owen Meany is one of those books that can be read at many levels. Owen
Meany inspired the 1998 movie Simon Birch but, as the wise one once said,
“Never judge a book by its movie.” Although Irving is sometimes a challenge
to follow (he’s no Janet Evanovich), any effort on the reader’s part is well-
rewarded. A Prayer For Owen Meany is definitely not your typical book, but
then none of Irving’s books are typical.
Owen Meany is one of the most memorable characters I have ever come
across in any book. Owen and Johnny Wheelwright (the narrator) are friends
in New Hampshire in the 1950s. They have a unique bond which is due in
part to Owen's extraordinary presence. Owen, a dwarfed child, has a
strange voice (his dialogue is WRITTEN IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS) that
chills most people (including Johnny's grandmother), but he also has an adult-
like wisdom and understanding. The bond between Owen and Johnny is
sealed by a freak accident when Owen hits a baseball, killing Johnny's
mother.
As they grow up, it becomes clear to Johnny that Owen thinks he is guided by
God. The accident with Johnny's mother is just one incident that ultimately
will lead Johnny to find his own faith.
There are moments of stinging humor in the novel as well as moments of
sadness. Although the majority of the story centers on Johnny's childhood, it
continues through his high school and college years. As expected for the
setting, Kennedy and the Vietnam War become important themes throughout
the story. A rollicking entertainment, Owen Meany is also a meditation on
literature, history, courage and God.
I will always remember Irving’s stunning foreshadowing as well as his
beautiful imagery. The story not only challenged me on an intellectual basis,
but also on a philosophical one.
/tdw/
| Thom's Review A Prayer For Owen Meany |
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