A prayer for Owen Meany

[qo]

I'm halfway through so no spoilers please

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?

One of my all time favourite books...but if you don't like it read something else, there's no obligation to finish a book you don't like and if you don't like it now the ending is not going to affect you either way.

Isn't it funny how some of us adore this book and some hate it? It is my favourite book of all time - I fell in love with Owen years ago. It's the only book I've ever read that's made me want to believe in God. Very moving.

But...but.... oh OP please finish reading so can add spoilers heehee

Signing up for the Owen Meaney fan Club
I do think, though, that you have to love John Irving, or even just get him, to enjoy it.
The ending is seriously haunting - so if you want to be haunted, stay with it.
However, I would have to say that my fave John Irving is The Cider House Rules.
Perfection.

A Prayer for Owen Meany has to be in my top 10. Don't forget your hanky!

Hmm - not sure - I am a big Irving fan but Owen Meany is not my favourite.

Should I re read it?

I've just ordered a visit from the goon squad, I can see poor Owen getting shelved for a bit longer!

I read this book about 5 years ago and I remember laughing out loud on more than one occasion. I was never bored reading it, although I struggled with Until I Find You. On the whole, I find Irving to be a really engaging writer.

OP, I posted an almost identical message on here about this book a few years ago. I started it after I had heard/read rave reviews about it but really wish I hadn't bothered. I found the haphazard chronology INFURIATING - one minute the mother is dead, then she's alive, then she's dead again. I had no empathy with any of the characters and really didn't care how it all worked out for them (this is most unusual for me).
It took me months to read it and I was so RELIEVED when I finally reached the end. I say abandon it - life's too short and there are so many better books out there.

The ending absolutely blew my mind, but I was about 15 when I read it and haven't re-read it since, so I don't know whether it would stand up to a more mature reading. I really didn't like World According to Garp but have enjoyed other of Irving's books (Widow for One Year sticks in my mind).

It's a great pro-religion story, without forcing the ideas of faith and destiny down your throat. The characters are brilliant; Owen in particular is strange, pitiful, frightening yet funny, lovely and bizarrely cool.

It's desperately sad, too, as Owen's story gathers pace as he grows up, the narrator drops just enough details of the lives of those in Owen's shadow, including his own.

And I loved the tiny, deadpan throwaway humour that peppers almost every page .. it's just lovely.

I'm with you OP. It was slow, I didn't warm to the characters and frankly it was just all too contrived. I read it to the end as it was a bookclub choice but I've no intention of seeking out more Irving.

I am with you too OP - I have really tried on numerous occasions to get into this book and failed every time!

I loved it. Agree that the ending just blows you away, I think I actually sat and sobbed yet the book is also incredibly funny in parts. Its one of those books that stays with you long after youve read it.

It seems to be one of those books that people either love or hate. Id have happily just turned back to the front and started reading it again as soon as Id finished it.

I read this when I was 18, and have read it, on average, every two years since. I seem to remember having trouble finishing it the first time, but it turned me into a huge Irving fan, though I do find some of his earlier stuff fairly experimental. Mind you, I'm having trouble with the most recent one, but I'm hoping to get back to it soon.

I thought it was rubbish. Slow. I just didn't get the message. If there was one.

Persevere OP! Took me several attempts to read it, but it was honestly worth it. The ending is amazing... I haven't read a book as good as this since.

I second Cider House Rules as being perfection, wonderful wonderful book