Summary
John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany, published in 1989, is a critically acclaimed and widely beloved novel. Set in New Hampshire during the 1950s and 1960s, the story follows the extraordinary life of Owen Meany, a boy who believes he is God's instrument. The novel explores themes of faith, friendship, and fate, while showcasing Irving's masterful storytelling and unique narrative style. Known for its memorable characters and poignant moments, A Prayer for Owen Meany has become Irving's top bestseller. The book inspired the 1998 film adaptation Simon Birch, though the movie significantly altered the original story.
Plot
In the summer of 1953 in Gravesend, New Hampshire, 11-year-old Owen Meany hits a foul ball during a Little League game and, in a freak accident, kills Tabitha Wheelwright, the mother of his best friend, John. Owen, a small boy with a distinctive voice, believes he is God's instrument and that this tragic event is part of a divine plan.
As John and Owen grow up together, Owen's unwavering faith and belief in his own destiny shape their friendship. Owen becomes convinced that he knows the date of his own death and believes he is destined to sacrifice himself for God. Throughout their adolescence and young adulthood in the 1960s, Owen's prophetic visions and peculiar behavior continue to influence John's life and the lives of those around them.
Narrated by John Wheelwright, A Prayer for Owen Meany alternates between John's present-day life (1987) as an expatriate in Canada and memories of his younger days with Owen. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Owen's conviction about his fate is tied to the Vietnam War. The novel culminates in a dramatic and shocking event that fulfills Owen's prophecy, leaving a profound impact on John and forcing him to confront questions of faith, destiny, and the nature of miracles.
Themes
Faith and doubt
Destiny and free will
War and its consequences
The power of friendship
Loss of innocence
Social class and privilege
The role of religion in society
Setting
A Prayer for Owen Meany is set primarily in the small town of Gravesend, New Hampshire, during the 1950s and 1960s. The novel captures the essence of small-town America, with its tight-knit communities and traditional values, during this period of social and political transformation, including the civil rights movement and the escalating conflict in Vietnam.
While much of the story unfolds in Gravesend, it also extends to other locations in New England. The characters' experiences at Gravesend Academy, a fictional prep school, play a crucial role in their development. Additionally, parts of the story take place in Arizona and Massachusetts, providing a broader context for the characters' journeys and the changing landscape of America during this time.
The novel's setting is not limited to the past, however. Interwoven with the historical narrative are sections set in the present day (1987) in Toronto, Canada. This dual timeline allows the narrator, John Wheelwright, to reflect on his past experiences, particularly those shaped by Owen Meany, and their lasting impact from the perspective of a voluntary expatriate, adding depth and complexity to the story's exploration of faith, friendship, and destiny.
Characters
Owen Meany: The titular character, a small boy with a distinctive high-pitched voice who believes he is God's instrument. Owen has prophetic visions and an unwavering faith.
John Wheelwright: The narrator and Owen's best friend. John struggles with matters of faith and ultimately becomes a voluntary expatriate in Canada.
Tabitha Wheelwright: John's mother, who is killed by a baseball hit by Owen Meany when he is 11. Her death is a pivotal event in the story.
Rev. Lewis Merrill: The doubt-plagued Congregationalist minister in Gravesend. He plays a significant role in John's life.
Dan Needham: John's stepfather and a teacher at Gravesend Academy. He is a positive influence in John's life.
Hester “The Molester” Eastman: John's cousin and Owen's eventual girlfriend. She is known for her rebellious nature.
Mr. and Mrs. Meany: Owen's parents, who run a granite quarry. They are distant and somewhat mysterious figures in Owen's life.
Grandmother Wheelwright: John's stern but loving grandmother, who plays a significant role in his upbringing.
Uncle Alfred: John's uncle, who is involved in local theater productions.
Aunt Martha: John's aunt, who is often critical of Tabitha's lifestyle.
Quick facts
A Prayer for Owen Meany was published in 1989 and is John Irving's seventh book.
Owen Meany's dialogue is written entirely in capital letters throughout the novel.
A Prayer for Owen Meany pays homage to Günter Grass's novel The Tin Drum, which greatly influenced Irving.
Irving based the character of Owen Meany partly on a small boy from his hometown named Russell.
The story is narrated from two time periods—the present day (1987) and the narrator's memories of the 1950s-60s.
Irving revealed he usually begins writing his novels by knowing the ending first.
A Prayer for Owen Meany became Irving's all-time bestselling novel in every language.
A loose film adaptation called Simon Birch was released in 1998, but Irving requested they change the title and character names.
The BBC produced a radio play adaptation in 2009 starring Toby Jones as Owen Meany.
Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson would assign the book as reading material to his players.
About the Author
John Irving, born in 1942 in Exeter, New Hampshire, is a renowned American-Canadian novelist and screenwriter. He achieved widespread recognition with his fourth novel, The World According to Garp, published in 1978. Irving's works often explore themes of family, sexuality, and loss, set against the backdrop of New England.
Throughout his career, Irving has written numerous bestselling novels, including The Hotel New Hampshire, The Cider House Rules, and A Prayer for Owen Meany. His unique storytelling style, often featuring quirky characters and intricate plots, has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted readership. Irving's novels frequently draw from his personal experiences, including his background in wrestling and his struggles with dyslexia.
In addition to his literary achievements, Irving won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Cider House Rules in 2000. Several of his other works have been adapted into films, showcasing the enduring appeal of his storytelling across different mediums.
Irving's impact on literature extends beyond his novels. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including a National Book Award and induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. As an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, he received a Lambda Literary Award for his novel In One Person. Irving continues to write and publish, with his most recent novel, The Last Chairlift, released in 2022.
