Underlying Paulsen's rich characterization is the distinctive style in which he renders Sarny's thoughts and words.

Because her perspective is truly adolescent—sometimes childlike and sometimes adult—the stylistic challenge is great. He creates for her a convincing and readable vernacular language. It has the strong rhythms and distinctive grammar of Black English. Although Sarny's syntax and spelling are often nonstandard, her meaning comes through clearly. Her vocabulary is rich in variety, images, and metaphors (e.g., Nightjohn touches Mammy's forehead "like he be kissing her with his fingers"). Sarny's style convinces that although she is not educated, she is intelligent. Beneath her taciturnity is an astute intellect that sees into the heart of things—and more importantly, of people.

Nightjohn is about 16,000 words in length, roughly three-quarters the length of a typical Paulsen novel. It can easily and pleasurably be read in...