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Original poster

A prayer for Owen Meany

68 replies

qo · 12/09/2012 12:50

I'm halfway through so no spoilers please Grin

I am really struggling with this book, it's sooo boring that I can only manage a few pages at a time, every little point is dragged out and a lot of it seems meaningless to the story. I want to finish it, as it's regarded as a modern classic, and that the book only comes together at the end.

Please tell me if it's worth perservering with?

OP posts:
rasputin · 12/09/2012 18:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

sayanythingrogerjustrogerme · 12/09/2012 18:42

Loved it, read it about 10 times. So another vote for persevering, sorry!

toysoldiers · 12/09/2012 18:41

It's my favourite book, closely followed by Hotel New Hampshire.

I think you probably either like John Irving or you don't. But Owen is one of the few books to have a lasting effect on me.

Stick with it. Grin

minceorotherwise · 12/09/2012 18:41

Ooh my fave book of all time
Agree it may have been bett to read Garp first

Ilovedaintynuts · 12/09/2012 18:39

I really think the 300 pages or so he spent describing the nativity was far too little. I really wanted MORE detail. I wanted to know what people had for breakfast and want time they went to sleep Grin

Sorry John Irving fans, being wicked!

JennetDevice · 12/09/2012 18:38

Is this the first John Irving book youve tried? Maybe try The World According to Garp to get a feel for his writing. Then go back to Owen. Its also one of my favourite books and I agree with everyone else, please persevere.

Ilovedaintynuts · 12/09/2012 18:26

And you will LOVE the ending because the book is finally over...

Ilovedaintynuts · 12/09/2012 18:26

I found it awful. Absolutely mind-numbingly boring. I finished it but almost lost the will to live. This was only recently.

I don't know what people are getting out of this book but I guess we are all different.

I would say give up - life's too short Smile

AgentProvocateur · 12/09/2012 18:17

One of my favorites too. Please persevere. It's so worth it.

Portofino · 12/09/2012 18:15

And when you read the ending, you will HAVE to read it again ;-)

Original poster
qo · 12/09/2012 15:28

oh, I just like my books to be un-put-down-able, to me Owen Meany is very put-down-able Grin

OP posts:
CaptainHoratioWragge · 12/09/2012 15:18

Sorry to add to your annoyance, OP, but this is also one of my all time favourites. I've read it about 5 times.

crikeybill · 12/09/2012 15:17

I didnt. I loved it, just loved it !!
Def up there with my all time faves Grin

Original poster
qo · 12/09/2012 13:05

Did nobody else find it a struggle and a little boring to read then?

OP posts:
iwantavuvezela · 12/09/2012 13:05

One of my all time favourite books too. Loved it!

Original poster
qo · 12/09/2012 13:01

It is starting to pick up a bit with a lot more of John's present day/adult life creeping in but still isn't holding my interest at all.

I will perservere, but at this rate it's going to take me a year to finish it!

OP posts:
Viperidae · 12/09/2012 12:59

Yes, second that. I loved this book, I agree it is slow in parts but well worth persevering.

Portofino · 12/09/2012 12:58

It is one of my all time faves - so yes I would say it worse persevering with.

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