nitaraye's review against another edition
1.0
Ok- technically I only read the first chapter, but I absolutely hated it. And I don't usually judge a book until I've read it. Maybe someday I'll be brave enough to read it.
jmpeck16's review
4.0
This book is stunningly written. I appreciate that it essentially instructs you how to read it as you go. The main character's soliloquies on literature and how his literature students didn't appreciate the thought that went into description and symbolism teaches you how to appreciate those things in Owen Meany. And the book is almost nothing BUT symbols and metaphors. It's expertly crafted, if not always the most enthralling read. It is a very long book, and at times I felt like I was dragging myself through it. I would probably give it five stars for its writing and craftsmanship and three stars for how much I actually enjoyed reading it. That balances out to four stars. In the end, I AM glad I read it, however. It was beautiful and thoughtful and just smart.
jayden_mccomiskie's review against another edition
3.0
I have such a soft spot for Irving. If I hadn't read Garp or Cider House Rules before this, it would probably be a 4; but I know how good Irving can be. Still, this is a great book.
carolbsmith's review
5.0
This. This is why I read. I finished the book today, but I will be thinking about it for a long time.
emily_7's review
4.0
My Dad's favourite book. It was a very slow and hard read, rambling at times and a lot of detail. But about 3/4 of the way through it gets interesting.
This book reminds me of the film: "Forest Gump" in regards to Owen Meany with the faith theme and the disabled main character. As well as, "The great gatsby" in regards to the narration being taken from his best friend on how remarkable Owen Meany is. I really liked how all the themes throughout all the little anecdotes link together. Although, this only comes together 3/4 of the way through, so the first half of the book is a bit tedious as the details about the family can feel unnecessary and also a kind of over characterisation.
This book reminds me of the film: "Forest Gump" in regards to Owen Meany with the faith theme and the disabled main character. As well as, "The great gatsby" in regards to the narration being taken from his best friend on how remarkable Owen Meany is. I really liked how all the themes throughout all the little anecdotes link together. Although, this only comes together 3/4 of the way through, so the first half of the book is a bit tedious as the details about the family can feel unnecessary and also a kind of over characterisation.
shadylane_00's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ferris_mx's review
5.0
Well, that was certainly mystical and spiritual - a bit too much for my taste. Towards the end, I was thinking "Just quit here, while you're ahead - you're never going to tie it together", but Irving proved me wrong. All the fate and allegory, well, it makes for an entertaining book, but I'm not going to believe anything I didn't believe last week.
b_books07's review
challenging
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
fuckthisshit's review
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Well written and sweet but too long gradually becoming boring. What a shame