Alicia Srinivas
asked:
Would this book be interesting for a non-Christian? How serious are the religious undertones?
To answer questions about
A Prayer for Owen Meany,
please sign up.
Neil Procter
I'm an atheist and this is one of my favourite books. Yes it is about one person's belief in a supreme being coming as the result of the events he witnesses, but it is not a Christian tract. I don't know what John Irving's religious beliefs are but I wouldn't dare assume form this book that he is a believer. It is a fiction, whose narrator has found reason to believe in God through the events that befall him. If an author wrote a book about a vicar it wouldn't mean it was a book just for Christians.
Amber
I don't agree with the other answers at all. Anyone who doesn't see the strong underlying Christian message isn't really reading it. This book is Christian from beginning to end, and the author doesn't try to hide it. The narrator says openly in the very first passage that Owen is the reason he is a Christian. And you see as you read the book (and you see it most clearly once you've finished it) that Owen's entire life is a tribute to the hand of God behind Owen's true purpose.
For a person who is religious but not Christian, this may not really be a problem. There is no, "Christianity is right; all others are wrong," type of message, although Christianity happens to be both the author's and the main characters' framework for understanding divine power. But if you are not religious, it can be very off-putting. I personally came away thinking this God fellow must be a giant dickhead. And there were many points in the story where I felt like basically what I was-- an atheist at a prayer meeting: Twiddling my thumbs and rolling my eyes and wondering when we can move on to the snacks.
For a person who is religious but not Christian, this may not really be a problem. There is no, "Christianity is right; all others are wrong," type of message, although Christianity happens to be both the author's and the main characters' framework for understanding divine power. But if you are not religious, it can be very off-putting. I personally came away thinking this God fellow must be a giant dickhead. And there were many points in the story where I felt like basically what I was-- an atheist at a prayer meeting: Twiddling my thumbs and rolling my eyes and wondering when we can move on to the snacks.
Laura
I'm Christian in that I celebrate Christmas with a tree and presents, only in the cultural sense. This book is possibly the best book I've ever read. You can definitely enjoy it.
Sandy
I did not find any serious religious undertones. I count myself as an agnostic and had no problem with the religion part. Be aware, though, the book moves very slowly so if you are looking for a quick, easy read this is not the book.
Janet
I would depict this book as more of a coming-of-age story about two boys who are solidifying their personal beliefs about all of life. A study in people and the culture of a small town. So, it is a book for everyone regardless of personal beliefs. I'm a Christian and so the church scenes were even more enjoyable due to similar personal experiences. Even though it is a slow read, it compels you to finish the story. And it certainly doesn't promote an agenda as some authors are known to do. Just a really good tale.
Duncan Mandel
I'm staunchly against religion and feel that it's massively negative and destructive force in the world. But I LOVED this book. Just as in real life there are religious people who are wonderful and religious people who are terrible. I LOVED the two main characters. It didn't covert me to christianity one bit. I'm not suddenly in awe of a divine supernatural fantasy as many people are, but I am completely in awe of John Irving's mastery of the art of the novel.
Kris
Another Atheist here. Serious? No. Plentiful? Yes. A lot. You will hear about religion a LOT. But in a searching, questioning. I agree with what was said below about the Author (not a Christian either). He says that he wrote this book to answer the question, "What would it take to make me a believer?"
Sandra
Totally agree with Terry. I too was clutched to the bosom of the Catholic church while growing up. Now I am not at all religious. This is hands down my favourite book ever. I was certain John Irving had written it backwards - the way seemingly inconsequential details turned out to be major contribtors to the theme, the brilliant way he would link time and place (which he did so masterfully in The Cider House Rules). I am super sensitive to people pushing religion in any way at all and would have stopped reading immediately had I sensed that happening. For me Irving is a little like Dickens or Dylan - superb artists and I love their work - it's subjective in the end, simply different strokes.
Terry Mulcahy
As someone who grew up Christian, I find that being an ex-Catholic makes me highly suspicious and uninterested in any religion or rationale for religion. However, this story is one of the best I have ever read in my entire life. I could relate to the god/religion questions, but Owen Meany is the reason I loved the book, and would recommend it to anyone. I don't remember now how long it took to read the book, but I don't remember any part of it being slow. I loved the story; every page flew by. Perhaps my strict religious upbringing accounts for my love of this story. When you've been immersed in religion, at home, at school, as an altar boy, and as part of a church-run Boy Scout troop, you can understand people trying to understand how this God character works, and why things happen the way they do. The main message is not about Christ or Christians, but about the very nature of belief itself.
Alexis
The undertones are just that, undertones. The plot doesn't outwardly blast Christianity. It is a great book!
Candace
Friends have asked me why I love this book so much since I’m an atheist. Well, all I can say is, you don’t have to believe in elves to love The Lord of the Rings.
Besides, this is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s so well-written, so superbly plotted, with absolutely unforgettable characters, it can easily be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates good literature, regardless of their beliefs or non-belief.
It would be good to keep in mind that this is a work of fiction, and the author himself is reportedly an atheist.
Besides, this is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s so well-written, so superbly plotted, with absolutely unforgettable characters, it can easily be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates good literature, regardless of their beliefs or non-belief.
It would be good to keep in mind that this is a work of fiction, and the author himself is reportedly an atheist.
Juanita
Yes you do not have to be a Christian, or even faintly religious to enjoy this book. Religion is only a minor player. The stories are about so much more.
Lily Gordon
It's definitely the main theme of the book but I am a non-Christian and I still found it very interesting. If you are a complete atheist you may hate it, but even if you are it may be an interesting look inside faith. Though there are references to God, the story itself is interesting without that. You should give it a tray.
Jenny
I really enjoyed it - although I must clarify that with the fact that I am a lapsed Catholic from a New England Parochial school. That may actually be why I found that it was so comfortable for me.
Jeffrey M
I'm a non-christian and I would have to say I found this book hard to finish at all. I thought it to be one of the most boring books I've ever read.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more