Point of View

The novel rotates between points of view and often transitions from events in present time to memories. One constant throughout is an omniscient narrator that is able to delve into each character's side of a story. Often within a chapter the focus changes from one character to another, which allows Patchett to explore the unreliability of a single point of view. By being omniscient, the narration is not tied down to one version of events, but is instead able to develop a more nuanced story than if the story was told from a single character's point of view. Particular focus is given to Franny, Albie, and Fix, however Bert, Beverly, Holly, and Jeanette are also focal points for sections of chapters.

Language and Meaning

The language used throughout is simple and unaffected, creating a sense of reading a family history. Combined with the non-linear structure...