Point of View

One of the most interesting facets of Brazzaville Beach is the point of view. As the story begins, it is told by Hope Clearwater in the first person. Thus, the reader is able to glean not only the unfolding events but, as well, Hope's personal responses to these events. At numerous points during the plot development, however, the author switches to the the third person narrative, throwing the reader into a confusing depiction of events as if these are told by an impartial observer. Once comfortable with this continual switch, however, the reader is able to understand why the author has chosen this means of presentation. The third person narrations are used when it is important that Hope's inner thoughts and emotions not be known intimately. The effect of this fluctuation is to create additional suspense, to provide more effective foreshadowing, and to force the reader...