This has been my first John Irving novel and it has far surpassed my expectations.
It is a story that is narrated with much love for Owen Meany, but it is also bound in a scathing attack on US politics and the Vietnam War.
The narration follows two time lines, that of the narrator and his childhood friend Owen and that of the narrator's life after Owen's death. The scenes from their childhood are wonderfully written, and very touching, with Irving capturing the essence of childhood perfectly.
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| Oskar Matzerath |
Owen is an unusual character and was created in tribute to Gunter Grass' Oskar Matzerath (The Tin Drum) and although there are similarities, this story stands alone and I found that I enjoyed it much more than The Tin Drum.
Owen believes that he is the instrument of God and the last few chapters read like a book of 'revelations'; and the way the story all comes together in the end really has a touch of brilliance.
The characterisations are wonderful throughout (although the narrator is a trifle boring), and I found it a truly enjoyable read to the end. A must read, put it on your list now!
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