A Prayer for Owen Meany PDF is a novel by John Irving that was first published in 1989 by William Morrow and Company. The book has since become a classic of American literature, known for its intricate plot, complex characters, and powerful themes.
Set in the fictional town of Gravesend, New Hampshire, A Prayer for Owen Meany tells the story of two friends, John Wheelwright, and Owen Meany, as they grow up in the 1950s and 60s. A small, strange, and deeply religious boy named Owen believes that he is destined for a special purpose. In a freak accident, Owen accidentally kills John’s mother, which forever links the two boys and changes their lives in profound and unexpected ways.
At its core, A Prayer for Owen Meany is a meditation on faith, destiny, and the nature of belief. Irving explores themes of religion, politics, war, and identity in a story that is both deeply personal and widely resonant.
Critics and readers alike have widely praised the book for its rich and complex characters, masterful use of symbolism and imagery, and its ability to move readers to tears. Critics have hailed A Prayer for Owen Meany as a masterpiece of contemporary American literature, and it has won numerous awards and accolades, including the National Book Award for Fiction in 1989.
A Prayer for Owen Meany is available in a variety of formats, including hardcover, paperback, pdf, ebook, and audiobook. It has been translated into multiple languages and is widely available at bookstores and online retailers.
Table of Contents
About the Author
John Irving, born John Wallace Blunt Jr., is an American author known for his distinctive storytelling style and his ability to create complex characters and intricate plots.
Irving was born on March 2, 1942, in Exeter, New Hampshire, and grew up in a family of educators. He attended the University of New Hampshire, where he studied English and wrestling. After graduating, he attended the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where he earned his MFA in creative writing.
In 1968, Irving published his first novel, Setting Free the Bears, and he continued to write several more critically acclaimed novels, including The World According to Garp, A Prayer for Owen Meany, and The Cider House Rules. In addition to his work as a novelist, Irving has also written screenplays and plays, and he has taught writing at several universities, including the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and Mount Holyoke College.
Irving has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the National Book Award for Fiction, the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (which he declined).
Details of A Prayer for Owen Meany Book
Book | A Prayer for Owen Meany |
Author | John Irving |
Original language | English |
Originally published | March 1989 |
Category | Bildungsroman, Psychological Fiction |
Publisher | William Morrow |
Total Pages | 617 |
Format | PDF, ePub |
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Multiple Languages Edition of A Prayer for Owen Meany Book
A Prayer for Owen Meany is available on Amazon in multiple formats, including paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook. The book has been translated into many languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, among others.
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A Prayer for Owen Meany Summary
The book begins with John recounting his childhood memories of Owen, whom he met at a summer camp. The two boys quickly become friends, and John is immediately struck by Owen’s unusual personality and his high-pitched, almost supernatural voice.
As they grow older, Owen becomes convinced that he is destined for a special purpose, and his religious beliefs become increasingly intense. John, on the other hand, becomes more disillusioned with religion and politics, as he witnesses the turbulent events of the 1960s.
One day, while they are playing a game of baseball, Owen hits a foul ball that strikes and kills John’s mother. This tragic event changes the course of both boys’ lives, and Owen becomes even more convinced that he is fated for a special purpose.
As they enter adulthood, John and Owen go their separate ways, with John attending college and eventually becoming a teacher, and Owen working odd jobs and getting involved in local politics. However, their lives continue to intersect in strange and unexpected ways.
The book builds to a dramatic and emotional climax, as Owen’s beliefs are put to the ultimate test, and John is forced to confront the true nature of his friend’s destiny.
Throughout the book, John also reflects on his own beliefs and values, as he struggles to come to terms with the events of his life and his friendship with Owen. Ultimately, A Prayer for Owen Meany is a profound meditation on faith, fate, and the power of friendship.
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FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the book A Prayer for Owen Meany about?
“A Prayer for Owen Meany” is a novel by John Irving that tells the story of two friends, John Wheelwright and Owen Meany, and their experiences growing up in a small New England town. It explores themes of faith, destiny, and friendship.
Is A Prayer for Owen Meany based on a true story?
“A Prayer for Owen Meany” is a work of fiction and is not based on a true story.
How many pages is A Prayer for Owen Meany?
The number of pages in “A Prayer for Owen Meany” can vary depending on the edition, but it is typically around 600-700 pages.
Is A Prayer for Owen Meany a classic?
“A Prayer for Owen Meany” is considered a contemporary classic by many readers and has garnered critical acclaim since its publication in 1989.