A Prayer for Owen Meaney
John Irving
This was third Irving novel Doreen had read and she considered it
to be the best so far. The strength of this novel is in the
extraordinary story line - which she couldn't describe because
Gill wanted to read the book. Doreen thought that the
interlocking pieces of the story were marvellously well contrived
and found the climax of the story quite stunning. She would
heartily recommend it.
Doreen 5/12/99
Very good!
Gill 13/2/00
Bob was aware that this book had been read and reviewed at least
twice before so didn't describe it in detail. It is a very
powerful book with a strong central character (Owen Meany) and it
will live in the memory for a very long time. Some parts of the
book seem superfluous and a distraction from the main plot but
apart from that it is a compelling story with a fantastic
denouement. Definitely recommended.
Bob 30/3/03
Seán's first John Irving, bought for £1 in Barista
Sisters. He loved this huge, intricately-plotted book. Every
single fact and event in the book, it turns out, has a rôle
to play and it all comes together at the end. The main characters
appear odd at first, but turn out likeable – without you
noticing the change. Nothing in the book felt superfluous, it all
needed reading (and the reading was all enjoyable). The only
temptation to speed-read came at the end, because Seán
just wanted to know what happens.
The story of the car in the school hall had Seán
convulsed with laughter, on a train, for at least 15 minutes.
A highly recommended read.
Seán 4/6/06
By the same author
The frames have
gone all funny - click to make it good.