John Irving's acclaimed novel is dramatised by Linda Marshall Griffiths.

Garp writes his first novel and marries Helen. When his mother publishes her autobiography she becomes a feminist icon overnight and Garp's adolescent adventures become public property. It isn't easy being the son of the famous Jenny Fields. Jenny inspires a whole generation of women, including the radical Ellen Jamesians. Lust, lunacy and loss thread their way through Garp's life as he vainly tries to protect those he loves.

This is the second episode of a three part dramatisation of a novel that is both acclaimed for its originality, and controversial for its dark representation of gender politics and sexual violence. Published in 1978 it went on to win the US National Book Award and was made into a film in 1982, it placed Irving firmly on the map as a leading novelist.

Dramatist Linda Marshall Griffiths adapted Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany for Radio 4 in 2009.

Directed by Nadia Molinari. Show less