Neal is a very effective narrator of this novel, for he seems to compose his thoughts the way he composes music.

The result creates more than an interesting story; it creates a mood as well.

His descriptions throughout the novel are enriched by figures of speech.

Thoughts "skittered away like little black bugs," and Georgie standing before Reverend Sloan reminds Neal of a "mouse in a python's cage." Early in the book, Neal looks at Georgie and sees a face "like that of an old person, full of pain and desperation." Even the Reverend Sloan's words "sizzled like spit on hot metal."

Music plays an important unifying role in this novel and comparisons with a musical composition can be seen throughout. Newton seems to create in words the way Neal creates in music.

The music that Neal plays is jazz, a musical form which is highly...