A Prayer for Owen Meany

By: John Irving

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Length: 27 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Earphones Award Winner (AudioFile Magazine)

Of all of John Irving's books, this is the one that lends itself best to audio. In print, Owen Meany's dialogue is set in capital letters; for this production, Irving himself selected Joe Barrett to deliver Meany's difficult voice as intended.

In the summer of 1953, two 11-year-old boys – best friends – are playing in a Little League baseball game in Gravesend, New Hampshire. One of the boys hits a foul ball that kills the other boy's mother. The boy who hits the ball doesn't believe in accidents; Owen Meany believes he is God's instrument. What happens to Owen after that 1953 foul ball is extraordinary and terrifying.

As an added bonus, when you purchase our Audible Modern Vanguard production of John Irving's book, you'll also get an exclusive Jim Atlas interview that begins when the audiobook ends.

Why we think it's a great listen: For 20 years, John Irving believed that his ambitious novel could never be adequately executed in audio – and then he met narrator Joe Barrett.... In the summer of 1953, two 11-year-old boys - best friends - are playing in a Little League baseball game in Gravesend, New Hampshire. One of the boys hits a foul ball that kills the other boy's mother. The boy who hits the ball doesn't believe in accidents; Owen Meany believes he is God's instrument.

This production is part of our Audible Modern Vanguard line, a collection of important works from groundbreaking authors.

©1989 Garp Enterprises Ltd (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"This moving book comes across like a concerto in this audio version, with a soloist—Owen's voice—rising from the background of an orchestral narration. This book, one of the finest of its time, gets the narration that it deserves." ( AudioFile)

“John Irving, who writes novels in the unglamorous but effective way Babe Ruth used to hit home runs, deserves a medal not only for writing this book but for the way he has written it. . . . A Prayer for Owen Meany is a rare creation in the somehow exhausted world of late twentieth-century fiction—it is an amazingly brave piece of work . . . so extraordinary, so original, and so enriching. . . . Readers will come to the end feeling sorry to leave [this] richly textured and carefully wrought world.” (Stephen King)

"Roomy, intelligent, exhilarating, and darkly comic...Dickensian in scope....Quite stunning and very ambitious." ( Los Angeles Times Book Review)

One of the best

There were scenes that I laughed to hard I cried-- while driving.

The narration of this book is divine. I recommended this book to another audiophile before I even finished it.

Excellent storytelling

This was a great story. It was long but worth the credit! I couldn't wait to find our what would happen

A story to be savored, not rushed

What made the experience of listening to A Prayer for Owen Meany the most enjoyable?

The author and narrator are a match made in heaven.

This is a story to be savored, not rushed through just so you can say you finished the book.

Think of the narrator like he’s your favorite uncle telling the story. You hang on his every word, never wanting the story to end. You’re enraptured by all the voices he gives the characters. As a matter of fact, before you realize it, you are IN the story. You KNOW the characters,and you’re right there with them.

The narrator magnificently brings the author’s characters to life effortlessly.

I’m not telling you anything about the actual storyline, because I want you to just experience this book, not read it. It’s worth every penny. Now go get it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Owen. If there were anyone who could’ve let life get them down, it would be Owen. But Owen disagrees with that assessment, and willing to move heaven and earth to make things right. He feels deeply, and has integrity, even at such a young age. He’s a powerhouse.

What does Joe Barrett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Life. He draws the reader in. I imagine myself scooting closer and closer to him, and finally, climbing up onto his lap to hear every nuance of the story.

Brilliant, timely, screamingly funny and heartbreaking

Do not skip this book, one of the best written stories I have read, listened to.

A Brilliant Surprise

Would you listen to A Prayer for Owen Meany again? Why?

Like a seduction by a great lover, the foreplay was slow and I was impatient to get to the action but, as the end approached, I just wanted it to go on forever. How could I not want to do it again? I will certainly listen to this audiobook again.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Owen Meany was the hero of the story. He worked for what he believed in and he triumphed. He was unique and a few tears leaked from my eyes on a couple of occasions especially near the end.

What does Joe Barrett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The voices were marvellous and "The Voice" of Owen Meany still resounds in my mind. An excellent narration. At first it didn't seem that way but, as the story progressed, I longed for that Voice! I don't think it could have been so grasping without Joe Barrett's excellent reading.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me both laugh and cry. Not in any extreme way but it evoked unexpected emotions as I shared some moments of Owen's story. John Irving is a wonderful writer.

Loved it!

Would you listen to A Prayer for Owen Meany again? Why?

I would in a few years. It's long, but it's a great story with a perfect narrator.

What did you like best about this story?

The story, the characters, the anticipation, the plot twists.

Have you listened to any of Joe Barrett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not, but he is my favorite narrator so far.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed many times. I cried a few times. Lovely story with so many great characters.

Any additional comments?

Get it. You won't be sorry.

Loved this book!

I didn't want to stop listening. I would take the long way home and still end up sitting in the driveway because the characters became my family.

One of the best!

A wonderful novel, beautifully written, complex, unique, meaningful. ...
It is full of characters I cared about and feelings I remember. If you grew up on the 60’s you’ll recognize yourself or your friends and family.
The narration is the BEST!!! And the interview with John Irving was a bonus & solidified my thoughts and beliefs.

A major piece in my life

So much of my own life and experience came back to me when reading this book. I am all most worshipful of the story and how John Irving drew up on real events to make a masterpiece describing a turbulent time in history of the US. I repeatedly replay the portions that I thought were meaningful. And would do it again.

Best reading ever of a truly wonderful book

I had read this book quite a while ago and enjoyed reading it then. This audible version recreated the novel and made it a new experience for me. John Irving is one of my favorite writers and the narrator Joe Barrett is gifted in giving the different characters their voices. I am relatively new to audible and it is this level of entertainment that will keep me coming back.