Points of View

The novel is written in the third person and is mostly from Stella's point of view. At various times, however, the reader experiences the thoughts of Uncle Vernon, Meredith and especially O'Hara.

Being in Stella's mind is not easy for the reader. One often wants to shake her. She blocks her own feelings or memories and misses subtleties. Although one can see the reasons for her manipulative and insensitive decisions, one doesn't like it. Readers, however, can't help liking Stella herself. Her inner dialogue is often amusing or touching. One is reminded how young and inexperienced, how childlike she is.

Uncle Vernon's point of view allows the reader to see what a truly sensitive fellow he is and how deeply he loves his niece. One witnesses him carefully planning how he can help her along without getting in her way. Uncle Vernon has the best understanding...