What is the author's style in State of Wonder by Ann Patchett?

'State of Wonder' is written in the limited and third-person point of view, where the narrator knows only the thoughts and actions of Marina Singh. This view is reliable, in revealing the feelings of Marina Singh, but also offers insight into the emotions of other characters by viewing them through the eyes of Marina herself. This point of view is important, since one major theme in the story is the growth of Marina, both in terms of her ethical boundaries but also in terms of her ability to put her past behind her. The impact of the past on Marina as well as the impact of Swenson's influence could not be as clear without the use of this limited third-person view. The story is told through description as well as dialogue, which helps to keep the reader focused on Marina while still being able to see and feel the world she lives in. Without being able to see inside Marina's head, her history with Swenson as well as her feelings for Anders and Mr. Fox, and her fears relating to her father, would not be comprehensible. It is the view of the world through Marina's eyes and using her moral and ethical code that makes this novel as successful as it is.