BVBook Verdict
Essential Read

A Prayer for Owen Meany

by John Irving · 1989

Literary Fiction · ranked #207 in category

Owen Meany, a small boy with an unnaturally high voice who believes he is God's instrument, kills his best friend John's mother with a foul ball — and then reveals he has seen a vision of how and when he will die. Irving's most celebrated novel interweaves the Vietnam era, New Hampshire prep school life and a meditation on faith as something you are forced into, not chosen.

UK: Bookshop.org US: Print on Amazon Kindle Audiobook

UK visitors: Bookshop.org supports independent bookshops. All links open a search — never a specific listing. As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases.

The verdict

Category
Literary Fiction
First published
1989 · 1980s
Author
John Irving
Standing
Essential Read

More by John Irving

The World According to Garp John Irving · 1978 Essential Read See details →

If you liked this

More literary fiction worth your shelf. See the full books like A Prayer for Owen Meany list. Or try our book club guide.

Beloved Toni Morrison · 1987 Editor's Choice See details →
The Stranger Albert Camus · 1942 Essential Read See details →
The Remains of the Day Kazuo Ishiguro · 1989 Essential Read See details →
Atonement Ian McEwan · 2001 Essential Read See details →
The Secret History Donna Tartt · 1992 Essential Read See details →
The Goldfinch Donna Tartt · 2014 Essential Read See details →

Ready to read it?

Get A Prayer for Owen Meany

Buy at Bookshop.org → Print on Amazon → Kindle edition Audiobook

As an Amazon Associate, Bookshop.org and CJ Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Magzter

Between books? Read magazines too.

Book readers love Magzter — 10,000+ magazines and newspapers on any device, 50% off the annual GOLD plan.

Start Reading — 50% off Annual Plan →