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A Prayer for Owen Meany
- Narrated by: Joe Barrett
- Length: 27 hrs and 19 mins
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VINTAGE IRVINE AT ITS BEST!
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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.
Critic Reviews

Editor's Pick
They said it couldn’t be done in audio. Wrong!
"I read A Prayer for Owen Meany when it published in 1989. For (almost) my entire career in audio, I couldn’t recommend a performance of the audiobook; other publishers thought the distinctive VOICE of Owen Meany to be impossible to render in our format. Joe Barrett proves them wrong. I highly (and at long last) recommend Joe Barrett’s narration of the humor and heartbreak in this epic coming-of-age story."
—Christina H., Audible Editor
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What listeners say about A Prayer for Owen Meany
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Barry
- 07-29-15
Painfully nostalgic
It's been about a quarter of a century since I read this the first time. I was amazed at how fast the beginning of the book moved. I remember the end of the book dragging on, but that's not true. Irving juggles time so that the actual book is always moving. It's the book's nominal timeline that drags. I am even more impressed the second time around with how Irving has constructed this book.
Normally, for me to enthusiastic about a novel, at least one of the characters has to undergo some kind of development. Despite having a slate of really interesting, well-defined characters, it is hard to say if any of them develop over the course of the book. The book is told by the narrator, John Wheelwright, as an extended reminiscence of the most important person in his life, Owen Meany. It is hard to say if Owen is ultimately a positive influence on John's life. I think that sort of murky mystery is part of my fascination. But frankly, I cared a lot more about what was going on with Owen than about the narrator. Sorry, John.
Somehow, I did not realize how much this book was about Vietnam the first time I read it. Not about the war per se, but about its effects on a generation of Americans. And from that perspective, I do care a great deal about what happens to John Wheelwright. It's just that Owen steals every scene that he's in.
For those of us who remember the era in which it is set, this is a dead-on evocation of what the America of those times felt like. I said painfully nostalgic in the heading, but that does the book a disservice. The fact is that Irving has layered together a great story that is at once timeless while being totally specific to a time and place. It doesn't get much better than that.
There is a bonus feature at the end: an interview with John Irving. This was an excellent addition with some key bits of insight and background information. Heartily recommended.
58 people found this helpful
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- Tango
- 08-16-14
A Modern Classic
If I could choose one phrase to summarize this masterpiece, I couldn't do better than the title of Jan's review - "Not written - crafted...exquisitely" (nicely said, Jan!). Although APFOM has an interesting plot and a shattering ending, if you read this book just for the story, you will miss the best part; APFOM is truly a modern classic with some of the best and most engaging use of literary devices and provocative thought I've ever seen. To list a few:
1. Enveloping and evocative use of setting - both historical and geographic - to set the tone and pacing
2. Masterful use of the first person form. First person is challenging when you want to portray detail for many characters. A Prayer not only provides detail characterization for a great cast of eccentrics, its primary protagonist is not the POV character. In lesser hands, the reader would not be able to relate to Owen Meany with all his strangeness when portrayed only from the POV of his friend, John Wheelwright, but Irving not only slowly makes you understand Owen, but truly love him.
3. Foreshadowing, allusion, and symbolism so subtle and finely woven into the narrative that you will not realize until the ending that you have been told repeatedly what is going to happen and still the ending is gut-wrenching and shocking and inevitable.
4. Some of the most insightful commentary on religion and faith that I have ever read in fiction. The beautiful, tragic, and repulsive aspects of religion are all woven into this narrative with little jewels of wisdom scattered throughout. One of my favorite quotes, "My belief in God disturbs and unsettles me much more than not believing ever did. Unbelief seems vastly harder to me now than belief does, but belief poses so many unanswerable questions." In the end, A Prayer is a real tribute to active Faith.
I read the book many years ago when it was first published and I think it can be advantageous to see this book in print to understand how Irving wrote it (Owen's dialog is in all caps and Irving often throws a word said in Owen's voice into the middle of John's sentences) so you will appreciate the phenomenal narrative interpretation of the book by Joe Barrett - truly an outstanding performance of a challenging book. I have had a permanent place on my bookshelves for APFOM for years, but not re-read it just because the ending is hard. However, I couldn't resist the audiobook when it was on sale and now I realize I should have picked it up long ago because it is more than worth full price. If you have read the book, I strongly encourage you to listen to the audiobook - you will not be disappointed. And, Irving packs so much beautiful prose and food for thought in this book, it is one that really should be read or heard more than once.
97 people found this helpful
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- Alan
- 03-28-11
Outstanding
I listen to a lot of books while i drive my roadtrain in Western Australia, it keeps me going through the long nights. When I got this book I was a little concerned with its length and seemingly lack of interest in the plot etc.. Well all I can say is the narrator was fantastic and the story was great, quite often i wanted to sit in my truck after arriving at my destination after a 12 hour shift to listen to a bit more.
146 people found this helpful
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- Esther
- 05-29-11
The Best ever audio book
I have listened to many books in the past but this has to be the best in my estimation. John Irving is a genius and Joe Barrett reads this book to perfection. A totally mesmerising story that has weaved its magic into my soul; I will be thinking about these complex characters for years to come. I will be downloading more of this author and will look for other books by this reader. Thank you John Irving
84 people found this helpful
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- Annette
- 03-17-11
A Prayer for Owen Meany
I have always enjoyed John Irving's writing, but I haven't read anything by him in many years. This book did not disappoint.John Irving's has a wonderful skill of turning a phrase and makes the common ideas seem ridiculous and is always questioning convention. Brilliant! Joe Barrett's narration of this book is also brilliant. The range he uses to individualize each character enables the listener to "see" each character individually. I was a little skeptical to buy this book since I love John Irving and I didn't want the narration to "ruin" the story. I am enjoying this production tremendously and will encourage anyone to give it a listen.
49 people found this helpful
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- MaDonna
- 05-22-11
EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT!!
I really enjoyed this book, keeps reader interested and waiting for the next part. Highly recommend!
15 people found this helpful
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- Patricia B Tripoli
- 06-14-13
Very Intriguing
I did not connect John Irving to Cider House Rules at first. But after listening for awhile, the same delightful humor style came rushing back and I was thrilled. How Irving unravels this story, interweaving current with past is tricky and clever. And just as in Cider House Rules, he plays out a rather political theme ever so carefully that you do not even realize it is happening.
The narration is also rather clever. At first it was annoying when "the voice" was used even for one-word illustrations. But it truly added to the story. I began to anticipate it.
There is a wonderful interview with John Irving at the end. That was great, getting some insight on his writing style.
There were so many fascinating twists and turns to the story. It also brought back some wonderful (I see I am using "wonderful" a lot but truly that is how I feel) memories of my own childhood. It all made me wonder why I have not read more of John Irving. I plan to do just that!!
21 people found this helpful
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- Gerald C Kane
- 10-03-16
My fourth time through the book...
Would you listen to A Prayer for Owen Meany again? Why?
Yes. I read the print version once, and the audio version 3 times.
What about Joe Barrett’s performance did you like?
His New Hampshire accent and his voicing of Owen Meany was spot on.
If you could take any character from A Prayer for Owen Meany out to dinner, who would it be and why?
Owen, of course.
Any additional comments?
I was motivated to write this review becuase it seemed to me that a huge percentage of the negative reviews on Audible were from people who had not finished the book. I remember being slightly amused but mostly underwhelmed my first time through the book -- until I got to the end. At that point, my reaction was "My God, what did I just read!?!?" Its a book that seems to have a bunch of rambling plotlines and strange symbolism that are all tied together in the final scenes. Yes, it does have a strong emphasis on Christian theology (although gleefully irreverent at times), which I can see might not be appealing to those without that background. Nevertheless, its one of those books that I think really can't be appreciated fully until your second reading, certainly not at all before you've finished it at least once.
6 people found this helpful
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- Katherine
- 06-29-12
A wonderful story
Excellent narration of a difficult subject - how to reproduce "The Voice" of Owen Meany - it could have been irritating but Joe Barrett has succeeded in making it believable.
John Irving has everything in this story - growing up, family life, tragedy, mystery, politics, religion, faith and humour.
I love this book.
34 people found this helpful
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- John S
- 01-10-14
Favorite book of all time.
John Irving is not for everyone, and if you have not listened to one of books choose this one. If not this one, then Cider House Rules. I have over 500 books in my Audible library and this by far is my favorite. John Irving books are by no means" thrillers", but the characters he creates are memorable, especially Owen Meany. Sad, funny, poignant this book should be on everyone's list of great American fiction. Told during the turbulent 60s the book is set in a small town in NH and follows the life of the main character (narrator) and Owen Meany, who is deformed in body but not in spirit . The ending will bring tears to your eyes:
And they were also lifting up Owen Meany, taking him out of our hands. O God -- please give him back! I shall keep asking You."
43 people found this helpful
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- Kirstine
- 05-17-14
An amazing and memorable book
I've read two other novels by the author and hoped that this book would be as good. I wasn’t disappointed: it’s a remarkable creation that will stick in my mind for a long time.
I didn’t want it to end. It starts as a story of small town America and then diverges in all directions as the eponymous Owen and his close friend John grow from boyhood to manhood and we get to know their families, foibles and achievements. On the back of their story, populated by many larger than life characters, the author lets his imagination rip as he contemplates questions of morality, religion, politics, loyalty, love, war and patriotism to name but a few of the myriad of topics that enrich this marvellous book that tugs at the emotions but also very funny at times. Owen Meany is an extraordinary creation. Never exceeding 5 feet tall with a voice that has hasn’t broken he dominates the book and all around him. The narrator gives him such a memorable voice:, a cross between Twittie Pie and Donald Duck, that makes him endearing but not one to be pitied: he is an heroic character.
The narrator is outstanding and brought the characters to life in this memorable book.
59 people found this helpful
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- ITC
- 09-09-20
Pretentious spiritual lecture 20 hours too long.
Obviously, this is one of those books that if you don’t get it, you’re simply not intellectual enough. Well, tare up the Mensa certificate Mother, I’m getting a job in the circus! Despite its interesting premise, this is little more than a self indulgent 20 hour lecture about differing church procedurals. Don’t be fooled into thinking this will be a tale of possible divine intervention in the vein of Green Mile, or a heartwarming journey alongside a lovable simpleton like Edward scissorhands or Forrest Gump. It ends ok, if you can trudge your way through the monotonousness of it all. 2 hours of talking about the Christmas story play was enough to make me want to drink WD40. There’s no conflict at all in most chapters and if I never hear the word ‘said’ again for the rest of my life, it will be too soon. If it wasn’t for my ‘need to finish’ OCD, I’d have happily turned it off and instead listened to my wife recite everything I’ve ever done or said wrong since I took my first breath. I can’t imagine any modern reader surviving this utter tripe.
15 people found this helpful
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- Brenda Dayne
- 07-29-10
A moving masterpiece.
A beautifully crafted, funny, heartbreaking work of genius from a world-class writer at the top of his game, A Prayer for Owen Meany is one of those books that simply defies easy description.
It's about angels. And armadillos. THE VOICE. An armless Indian and an headless Holy Goalie. A lethal baseball, a Christmas pageant baby Jesus, and the precise connection between what the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come saw on a cardboard tombstone and the burned and blistered corpse of a helicopter pilot killed in Vietnam. Through all the quirky characters and masterful plotting, however, at its heart, A Prayer for Owen Meany is about family, friendship, community, and what it really means to be a hero.
Narrator, Joe Barret's, pitch perfect reading captured the spirit and voice of each unforgettable character, including that of Owen Meany, whose screeching, grating, damaged voice is portrayed in the novel in full caps. Somehow Barret accomplishes this feat in such a way that he fully embodies Owen's unforgettable voice, yet is still easy on the ears of audio book listeners.
This Audible version of A Prayer for Owen Meany made me laugh, made me fall in love with Owen Meany and, ultimately, broke my heart. When the book was over, I missed Owen, as if I'd known him.
41 people found this helpful
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- L.B
- 04-13-13
Stunningly well written & read
Not my usual cup of tea, but 'A Prayer for Owen Meany' builds up over the length of the book into a great mix of characters and plots.
Throughout the entire storyline there are beautiful little references to seemingly innocuous past events, with the smallest details weaving such a wonderful picture, leaving the reader (listener) with a clarity of what this world looks like and what the people are like, but still allowing the imagination to form the shapes.
I wished my drive to work was longer so I could have listened to more in one go, and in fact there were occasions that I took a 'long-cut' just to hear a particular story line thread play out!
It is to a budding novelist as a Mozart concerto is to a wannabe musician who has just picked up a tambourine... You think you'd like to try your hand at writing, then you see this and realise what a really good author can produce.
I'm a great fan of the Jason Bourne series, and John Le Carre is by far my favourite author of a book series or genre, but Owen Meany is that exception to the rule. Truly mesmerising.
26 people found this helpful
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- Robert
- 12-23-13
wonderful wonderful
Would you listen to A Prayer for Owen Meany again? Why?
I would listen to Owen Meany again and I plan to. I read this book many years ago and was delighted to see it on Audible. To listen to it was so pleasurable and delightful.The narrator is really really good. Now I am looking for everything else he has done!
What did you like best about this story?
Owen Meany is the heart of it and the ending is just so surprising, I was on the edge of my seat and so affected for days.
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
It certainly made me cry.
21 people found this helpful
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- Alison
- 04-04-13
Just listen - it will captivate you
Let it just keep going, because the start is a little slow. It's long - and it will be worth every minute of your time.
Beautiful writing, and such expert narration.
Sad and sobering though some of the story is, it's not written in a way that cynically tries to milk the pathos. In fact, most of the sad incidents are dealt with in such a matter-of-fact way, it helps you to deal with it, too. It is also a very funny book, with sly, sideways humour and sometimes some pure slapstick comic passages.
I really did love this book and was very sad to leave it.
20 people found this helpful
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- Loraine P
- 07-21-15
Not long enough!
If you could sum up A Prayer for Owen Meany in three words, what would they be?
Memorable, moving and entertaining
What other book might you compare A Prayer for Owen Meany to, and why?
I have yet to find a book that compares to this. It manages to be both gripping and matter of fact at the same time
What does Joe Barrett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
The Voice! It perfectly evokes the image of a tiny man with a huge effect on all around him
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
This book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions, from sadness and outrage to laugh out loud joy
Any additional comments?
This is one of the first audible books I listened to. Some 200 books later I have still not found a more entertaining novel. If I could, I would make it required listening for all Audible members
5 people found this helpful
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- Lyra
- 04-07-13
An excellent book on all levels
It is well written, the story is very good and, mostly through the character Owen Meany, the book makes lots of important points about the absurdity of many aspects of life. I thoroughly recommend.
Joe Barrett is a good reader too.
10 people found this helpful
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- Brendan
- 01-08-13
An Oscar for Joseph Barrett.
Joe Barrett deserves an award for his beautiful reading of this beautiful book. (that's only 13 words)
15 people found this helpful
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- Catherine
- 04-09-13
This is what audiobooks are for!
What a treat. It's long but I would have rather it hadn't ended... An immersive experience
12 people found this helpful
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- Wendy
- 03-18-16
Out-standing novel!
Any additional comments?
I listened to this book approximately two years ago ( I have decided to review books since the Aussie site is a little bereft of reviews compared to the USA site which I formerly belonged to) and I have to say that this is my favourite audio book to date. It was highly entertaining and hard to stop listening to.Despite the length, I am going to listen to this again because it made me laugh and it also made me sad in parts and I feel it taught me a lot about life at times.I just loved the narrator's voice also!
3 people found this helpful
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- Lauren O
- 04-14-17
Near Perfect
This has been my favourite book since I first read it years ago. The audiobook has increased my love of this wonderful tragic novel. The narration was nearly perfect. That's only because I can't imagine anyone doing justice to Owen's voice. But this is as close as you can get. Warning - do not listen to the last chapter while driving. I knew the ending and still had to pull over.
2 people found this helpful
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- Maggiestampa
- 07-15-17
A Thought Provoking Read .
I'll be ruminating on this book for a very long time. There are many levels to this story and many many aha moments. I can't wait to read more John Irving books. What a pity Audible hasn't more John Irving books.
1 person found this helpful
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- Christine Fletcher
- 07-06-16
A wealth of characters
This is a truly great story. Although the plot makes its way down a certain track nothing will prepare you for the revelations that unfold.
1 person found this helpful
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- Daniel
- 09-16-15
Favourite book, beautiful performance.
I read this book for the first time more than 25 years ago.
All this time later it is still a beautiful story with an ending that makes me cry. The audio book does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life, even Owen Meaney's ALL CAPS DIALOGUE. Brilliant job by the narrator.
1 person found this helpful
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- June C.
- 08-14-15
Brilliant!
This compelling and moving story of faith, friendship and American politics in the 1950s and 60s kept me intrigued from beginning to end. Each event that occurs is important as the story unfolds, and the clever way everything is ultimately linked makes for a very satisfying conclusion.
Joe Barrett's narration is nothing short of superb. All characters, both male and female, are so well represented, but especially the voice of Owen Meany which I had expected to find irritating, but instead found quite appealing.
It's a long book - 26 hours - but I couldn't stop listening to it. Usually I listen to audiobooks when out on my morning walk, but in the end I sat in a chair and listened for hours, and then was sorry when it ended.
There is a very interesting 25 minute interview with John Irving at the end which throws light on his writing process, and also gives further insight into the two main characters in ways I hadn't considered.
I thoroughly recommend A Prayer For Owen Meany and will definitely be trying other books by John Irving on the strength of this.
3 people found this helpful
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- Sharron
- 02-24-14
Top Read Ever
Any additional comments?
This book is wonderful. Owen earns a place in my heart for ever. The narration is superb, especially Owen's voice which is something you wouldn't get in print. I strongly recommend this book.
2 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 05-30-22
Loved this story
I enjoyed this book immensely. With laughter, tears and cries of horror and joy I was fully captivated from the first chapter.
Uncannily some of the character’s predictions made in this story have, more or less, come to pass… and this, really does, “ give me the shivers “.
Thank you Mr Irving for your heartfelt work.
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- Janine Jaede
- 07-24-21
I would give it 10 stars if I could.
John Irving is such a wonderful story teller. This has always been one of my all time favourites. It was amazing to listen to it this time. So many laughs and tears in this story.
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- Elizabeth Young
- 01-14-20
I love it
I just loved this book so much. It was one I’ve wanted to read for a long time. Profound, perfectly written and brilliantly read.