Point of View

The author uses a first person perspective in the narrative, letting Beryl tell her own story. This voice allows readers to connect to Beryl and support her even when her actions may be controversial. At the same time, when she's defending her own actions, readers have to consider rather or not her renditions are accurate and throughout the entire novel, readers must also remember that this novel is historical fiction, so the author combines real events with her imagination. The voice of Beryl is thus fused with that of the author which may create a connection that isn't totally authentic.

Language and Meaning

As the narrator loves the natural beauty of Africa, is a horse trainer, and later a pilot, the language changes depending on where she is and her phase of life. When talking about Africa, the narrator uses vividly descriptive vocabulary allowing readers...