I am doomed to remember a boy with a wrecked voice — not because of his voice, or because he was the smallest person I ever knew, or even because he was the instrument of my mother’s death, but because he is the reason I believe in God; I am a Christian because of Owen Meany.In the summer of 1953, two eleven-year-old boys — best friends — are playing in a Little League baseball game in Gravesend, … game in Gravesend, New Hampshire. One of the boys hits a foul ball that kills the other boy’s mother. The boy who hits the ball doesn’t believe in accidents; Owen Meany believes he is God’s instrument. What happens to Owen after that 1953 foul ball is extraordinary.
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I was not a big fan of Owen Meaney, and I realize that I am in the minority on this, but I found it wordy and long winded.
This is my favorite of John Irving’s books, and I have loved his writing for a very long time. Images from this book still come to my mind; his writing is that beautiful.
Read it many years ago, it was better than the movie version (Simon Burch).
Don’t miss this one!!
I cried all thru the last 100 pages and I loved it.
I had to leave the donut shop before I embarrassed myself. Favorite John Irving book of many!
Just fantastic! Irving weaves a wonderful, fictional story into the history of the time period.
One of the few books that I have read that I will never forget. Should be required reading. Not sure what praise I could shower on a masterpiece worthy of far more than my accolades.
I love John Irving novels. This one had me constantly wondering why Owen spoke the way he did. The ending explains it all.
A Prayer for Owen Meany has unique characters that bring new insight to human interactions.
His best book – utterly memorable.
Irving has a winner with Owen.
It’s in my all-time top 10.
I cannot pick a favorite book of all time, but when pressed, I always name this one in my short list.
Love this! Another one on my Top 5 list.
One of the best BOOKS I have ever read. Even after all these years (30+) it still resonates within me as a wonderful experience.
One of my favorites! Quirky characters but a powerful message.
One of my all-time favorite books! I was so sad to say good-bye when I turned the last page…
Owen Meany will go down as one of the most unconventional heroes/protagonist in modern literature. The unique friendship between two young boys that follows them well into adulthood is compelling, while the beautiful story telling invites you as only Irving can. We all have a purpose it seems after all.
On of my favorite authors hit it out of the park with this sensitive portrayal of unforgettable characters. I loved it.
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One of the best, if not the best novel I’ve ever read. Totally unique protagonist. DO NOT see the movie which is supposedly based on the novel. Irving should never have let it be made.
This is the story of a boy who was born different. Owen was born tiny, with a strange voice, and a funny walk. He never grew to be bigger than 5 feet tall. His best friend, John, and he spent their lives looking out for each other. Owen was a firm believer in God and stated to anyone who would listen that he was “God’s instrument”. He had a …