What is the author's style in Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya?

The novel is written from the first-person perspective of six-year-old Antonio Marez who lives in New Mexico with his family. He is the story’s protagonist and is present at all of the events described in the book, with the exception of some stories from the past that other people tell him. Readers see the world through Antonio’s eyes and though he is only six and seven years old during the book, he has the insight and maturity of a much older person. In fact, many times it is easy to forget just how young Antonio actually is based on his advanced level of thinking and the strength that he demonstrates in challenging times.

The author presents the views of other characters most notably through dialogue. He gives the characters the chance to express their own views through their conversations with Antonio and then further explores those ideas as Antonio mulls them over. Several views of spirituality, family and the unfairness of the world arise in the dialogue and each is prompted by an event in the book. Antonio finds answers, and also more confusion, based on what he hears the other characters say. This is a strong narrative device and one that readers can relate to, especially young ones. Everyone faces “outside voices” on the journey towards finding individuality and seeing how that relates to Antonio makes his character more sympathetic.