Point of View

Buffett uses a first-personal narrative throughout A Salty Piece of Land. On occasion, he shifts from Tully as narrator to Willie Singer - continuing in the first-person - through letters written to Tully. In doing so, Buffett can keep the reader informed of what progress is being made in the search for the Fresnel lens when Tully is not directly involved.

Tully is reflecting on his journey; his destination is known before he begins his story. This perspective allows Tully to comment on what is to follow. Though he seems a reliable narrator, there is no way of knowing whether it is the truth. His willingness to acknowledge his follies may offer some insight into his reliability, but at the same time should be viewed like a great fish tale where some details are undoubtedly exaggerated. Ultimately the reader is being told only what Tully wants...