What is the author's tone in A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin?

The tone of the story is somewhat mixed. Adam is either very upbeat or very sad and angry. He has no in-between emotions, and this impacts the tone of the story. In addition, the reader will probably be sad by the scene in which Adam's body is discovered and again when Hattie addresses those gathered for his funeral. The story ends on a somewhat positive note, with Hattie realizing that her life has to go on and that she's better for having known Adam.