The story is written in the third person from an omniscient perspective. The perspective moves from one character to another, putting the reader in touch with the thoughts and emotions of various characters throughout the story. This is vital to the full understanding because the main characters are introduced individually and not necessarily when they are with other characters. For example, the reader is introduced to Leif when he is alone in the forest, headed to the site of the wreck that kills Allie and Nick. Leif isn't given a name until Allie awakes but he is present. An interesting variation to the traditional perspective is the author's use of excerpts from books that are, for the purposes of this story, real. There are references to Mary Hightower long before she's formally introduced. Mary's books are another perspective though most of the excerpts from her books are used to drive the story line forward. The fact that the author chooses an omniscient perspective means the reader learns things as they happen in most cases. For example, Nick and Leif are taken hostage by The Haunter and the reader learns this as the action is taken. However, Nick helps all the children aboard the Hindenburg cross over. The reader sees Leif take that step but doesn't see any others actually take the step and doesn't know what happens until Mary wakes. Leif's crossing was presented from Nick's perspective but the reader learns the rest crossed from Mary's perspective.
Everlost, BookRags