Point of View

The entire novel is written in present tense with first person narration from Amina’s perspective. Since Amina is the main character, and much of the novel is about Amina’s internal struggles, the first-person narration allows for the reader to understand Amina’s thoughts and concerns. For example, Amina narrates, “I imagine myself in a video hitting every note” (44). This excerpt from Amina’s narration details her desire to be able to sing to her full potential in public. The fact that the narration is in Amina’s first person makes quotes like these more personal to Amina’s character. Therefore, since the novel is about Amina’s internal struggles and desires, the reader can understand and relate to the plot more successfully through the first-person narration.

The author uses italics to directly represent Amina’s thoughts. For example, when Amina is thinking about...