Perspective

"A Girl Named Zippy" is a non-fiction memoir written in first person narrative. The author, Haven Kimmel, uses first-person narrative to detail accounts of her childhood growing up in Mooreland, Indiana. She does not simply replay the events of the past, but narrates with the perspective of young Zippy. When she recounts stories from when she is younger, there is a naivete to the voice. It is clear that the narrator is not privy to the wisdom or maturity of the older Zippy who is writing the book. For example, in "The Lion," Zippy truly believes that she belongs to the mafia and that the certificate she receives from her father is authentic, although the adult Zippy who is writing the book can clearly see past that. This perspective is truly first-person and not omniscient—the only information the reader gains is what Zippy the narrator sees...