Owen Meany is the main character in the book I just reread, A Prayer For Owen Meany, many years after I first read it. The book was written by the fabulous author John Irving, who came to fame with his fourth novel, The World According to Garp, another on my past reading list. Another of his works I read with great pleasure is The Cider House Rules, for which he wrote the screenplay winning the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. One of my favorite actors, Michael Caine, was featured in the movie, also winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, his second Oscar.
Many of his books are of an autobiographical nature, including elements of growing up around Phillips Exter Academy and wrestling. He attended the academy, where his stepfather was on the faculty, and participated in the wrestling program as a student and an assistant coach. Those are but a couple of things from his fascinating life that have made it into his books.
A Prayer For Owen Meany could almost be Irving’s own story. It tells the tale of Owen’s growing-up years along with his best friend John Wheelwright. Later on in the book, Owen and John find themselves enrolled at Gravesend Academy, where John’s stepfather is on the faculty, a piece of Irving’s real life. Though exploring the cynicism of politics, the book touches upon religion in a very philosophical way, exploring faith, doubt and the possibility that there are chosen ones here for a specific reason. And Own believes he is one such soul.
He’s led to believe that by a vision he has while playing the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come in a yearly local production of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. During the scene of Scrooge seeing his name on a tombstone, Owen sees his name instead, along with the date of his death. In a few years, during the Vietnam Era, he begins having a recurring dream where he saves a bunch of Vietnamese children. Therefore, going to college on an ROTC plan, on graduation he’s commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Army and begins requesting deployment to Vietnam, only to be foiled in his requests. It’s also during this time that he finds a unique way to keep his friend John from being drafted.
But the early part of the book introduces so many special characters. John’s grandmother and his mother, who had John illegitimately, often referring to him as “My little fling,” never revealing to him the identity of his father. There’s Noah, Simon and Hester, John’s cousins, Hester being dubbed Hester the “Molester” by her brothers. Hester becomes an integral part of Owen’s life. Then there’s Owen parents, truly a strange duo. And there’s all the other members of the community with their quirks and wacky personalities that paint a picture of many American small town places of the 1950’s-60’s.
In a strange way, Owen plays a part in the early death of John’s mother, forever linking them together in a search for many answers. And there are a few interesting denouements that finally tie the entire saga together.
Funny; happy; sad; serious; and thought provoking. These are but a few of the words that describes this wonderful, eye-opening novel. Not to be redundant, I consider this one a must-read, as I’ve christened quite a few from my extensive library. It would please me to hear any comments from those who have read it, or anyone who chooses to look into it after reading this review.
I bet this is a book that my husband would love – if he hasn’t already read it yet. It sounds right up his alley!
I’ve heard of John Irving, but I’venever read any of his books. This sounds interesting and I would like to read it.
I will have to read this! I kind of have my own personal library, at my house right now I think I have 300 books and I have another 500 stored at my dads. (And I couldn’t even tell you how many on my ereadres) My hubby may kill me for bringing more home, but this so sounds like a must read!!
I have not heard of this author, but I have heard of Cedar House Rules. I will have to check out this book it looks like good book.
John Irving is a fantastic author. I read The Cider House rules when I was about 14, and I totally fell in love with his writing.
I read Cider House Rules a while ago and found it enjoyable! Maybe its time to read it again!
I used to be such a bookworm. And I have been tryin hard to ind the time to get back into it. This looks like a great book! Maybe I should get hmmm Thank you for sharing x Kat I http://www.beautifullytravelled.com
Glad to share, Katharina. I do hope you check it out.
I have a 8GB flashdrive full of eBooks. (it was a freebie when I got my Kindle Fire HD). I will have to look if it includes a collection of John Irving novels. Thanks for the review. It does seem like a worthwhile read.
Sounds like a very interesting book. I need some books for my winter reading list! Thanks!
I have never heard of A Prayer for Owen Meany nor of the author. You have piqued my interest and now I have to track it down at my library and read it. This will be the book that I can read while under the hair dryer with no kids interrupting me.
That looks like a great book!! I have seen the move cider house rules but never read it! THanks for the book idea!
You’re welcome, Jenn. I will have to say, though, that the movie disappointed me, even though it had Michael Caine in it.
Sounds like a good book to pick up. I’ve been meaning to go peruse the bookstore this week. Think I might go tomorrow 🙂
I’ve never heard of him. Sounds like an interesting book. I do believe in Miracles!
I’ll have to look into it after reading your review. It sounds intriguing.
I have not read a new book in a while and this seems to be like a nice title to check out. I’ll probably even recommend it in my book club’s next meeting.
A wonderful pick for a book club. Owen’s story has actually been added to many school reading lists.
This sounds like a fascinating book! I love how the author took so much inspiration from his own experiences growing up. I bet it lends a real authenticity to the story!
A very big yes! I believe in miracles. I believe that every day in our lives there happen a miracle even if we didn’t know a thing about it. It comes in small and big packages too.
Yup, I do believe in miracles. MWhen my daughter was born, she wasn’t breathing and I know that it’s a miracle that she’s alive and well now.
I am an avid reader and my husband and I enjoy reading together also. This looks like something I may be interested in sharing with him.
My daughter is an avid reader. I will let her know about these books as she is always looking for recommended books to read.
I’ve seen movies based on his books but I’ve never read any! This one sounds great!
This sounds like a book my best friend would LOVE! I will have to see if Amazon has it and add it to my list of things for her!
I’ve never heard of this book but it sounds like something I might enjoy! I’ll have to look for it on Kindle, thank you for sharing! 🙂
I most definitely believe in miracles, and feel that I have witnessed one or two in my life. I remember the Cider House Rules movie (but did not read the book) …it made me cry!
I personally believe in miracles. I’ll have to check out this book too. I love reading inspiring books.
I do remember seeing the movie for Cider House, but I didn’t read the book, let’s just say there hasn’t been much time for reading as of late.