Reviewed by Monique Prince
This book has a little bit of everything—humor, politics, religion, friendship, mystery, drama, setting, and richly described characters. It is narrated by John Wheelwright as an adult, reflecting on his childhood friendship with Owen Meany. Owen is a tiny person who speaks in a loud, high voice (in all capital letters) and who kills John's mother with a foul ball during a little league baseball game. Owen doesn't view this tragedy as an accident. Everything, he believes, happens for a reason and he comes to view himself as "God's instrument," destined to live for one pivotal moment which will give his life meaning. This book is about events leading up to that moment as the two boys grow up and face the prospect of the Vietnam War.
If you have read other Irving novels, you will recognize some familiar elements: New Hampshire, Exeter, and wrestling; other Irving elements, such as bears, circuses, Vienna, and amputations are thankfully omitted. This is, in my opinion, the best John Irving novel to date, and I highly recommend it.
