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A Prayer for Owen Meany

A Prayer for Owen Meany book cover
AP
Fiction Classics Fiction Historical Fiction

by John Irving

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4.22 (227K ratings)
calendar_today 1989
description 637 pages

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving holds a highly rated rating of 4.22 out of 5, based on 227K reader ratings. First published in 1989. The book spans 637 pages.

About A Prayer for Owen Meany

Eleven-year-old Owen Meany, playing in a Little League baseball game in Gravesend, New Hampshire, hits a foul ball and kills his best friend's mother. Owen doesn't believe in accidents; he believes he is God's instrument. What happens to Owen after that 1953 foul is both extraordinary and terrifying. At moments a comic, self-deluded victim, but in the end the principal, tragic actor in a divine plan, Owen Meany is the most heartbreaking hero John Irving has yet created.

Detail Value
Author John Irving
Published 1989
Pages 637
Genres Fiction, Classics, Fiction, Historical Fiction
Average Rating 4.22 / 5.00
Total Ratings 226,964

Reader Ratings & Analysis

Rating Overview

4.2
starstarstarstarstar
227K ratings
With a rating of 4.22, A Prayer for Owen Meany is rated near the global average of 4.17. Compared to its genre average of 3.99, it performs above expectations. With 227K ratings, it is among the most reviewed books in its category.

How It Compares

4.22
This Book
3.99
Historical Fiction Average
4.17
Global Average

Frequently Asked Questions

What genre is A Prayer for Owen Meany?

A Prayer for Owen Meany is categorized as Fiction, Classics, Fiction, Historical Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Historical Fiction.

Is A Prayer for Owen Meany worth reading?

Based on 227K reader ratings, A Prayer for Owen Meany has an average score of 4.22 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.

How many pages is A Prayer for Owen Meany?

A Prayer for Owen Meany has 637 pages. It is a longer read suited for dedicated readers.

Who wrote A Prayer for Owen Meany?

A Prayer for Owen Meany was written by John Irving. It was first published in 1989.

What is the ISBN for A Prayer for Owen Meany?

The ISBN-13 for A Prayer for Owen Meany is 9780552135400.0.

Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026