Here are a few examples of how John Irving creates suspense in A Prayer for Owen Meany:
- Foreshadowing ominous events. Early in the novel, Irving drops hints that something tragic will happen involving Owen. This builds suspense for the reader to find out what occurs.
- Using limited perspective. Much of the story is told through the viewpoint of the narrator John Wheelwright. Irving only reveals certain details, keeping other information unknown to heighten suspense.
- Pacing plot revelations. Major revelations about Owen and past events are slowly uncovered throughout the book, not all at once. This spacing out of information maintains reader intrigue.
- Building mystery around Owen. Owen is an unusual