59 pages • 1 hour read
John IrvingA Prayer for Owen Meany
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
990LBook Details
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Historical Fiction
Relationships: Friendship
Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality
Values/Ideas: Fate