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1. What is the narrative structure throughout the novel?

The novel is written in various third-person points-of-view. Each chapter is narrated by a different protagonist. In Chapter 1, Ethan recalls the events that led to his learning about his father, Gil's, secret about a second family through his relationship with Nok on his business trips to Thailand. The following chapters then switch to other main characters, such as Joe, Maribel, Rachel, and Bud narrating how their lives are all intricately intertwined throughout the novel. As the novel unfolds, Ethan finds himself in a love triangle that is caught between the two families, showing the complicated relationship among money, power, and happiness and the various perspectives on all three of those themes.

2. How does the structure of the novel help readers understand the secrets to happiness?

Because the novel is written through varying perspectives, readers understand that there is no singular meaning or secret to life's happiness. Giving voice to different main characters allows readers to see that the each character must discover his or her own unique ways to happiness through his or her own means, as each must navigate the delicate and complex relationship between money, family, and happiness. While money provides comfort and stability, love, family, and the minutiae of everyday life provides the richness upon which happiness rests.

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