comment on structure

The novel is divided into 32 chapters and an epilogue, and it has a nonlinear structure. The basic structure is that it has two linear storylines and regularly alternates between them. One storyline is Sylvie’s time in Holland, and the other storyline is Amy’s time in Holland during the following month, as she searches for Sylvie, who has gone missing. The function of this structure is to centrally feature the mystery of Sylvie’s disappearance while slowly unraveling the clues and truths that ultimately lead to the novel’s climax and conclusion. Both storylines provide key information as well as misdirection, gradually giving relevant information about Sylvie and the other characters. The climax of the novel occurs when Ma’s confession, Lukas confession, and Sylvie’s suicide note shed light on the truth circumstances of Sylvie’s death.