Point of View

The novel is narrated from the third person point of view. Narration shifts focus between Neni and Jende, and while at times gives insight into their thoughts, is only partially omniscient. Mbue uses character insight selectively in the narration to build suspense, such as when Neni goes to blackmail Cindy. The narrative stays in the past tense, but events are often relayed in a non-chronological order that jumps between the present and past memories. The chronology of events is occasionally explicit, but often relies on context.

Language and Meaning

The novel is written primarily in English, but words and phrases from several other languages are often used, including French and pidgin English. Language and dialect is used to distinguish characters by class and nation of origin. For instance, characters who live in Africa or are African immigrants intersperse their dialogue with French words and more...