Point of View

The story is told from two different points of view. The majority of the story is told by Andy Barber as the family goes through the ordeal of a murder charge and trial. The court recorder is the second person whose point of view is used in the novel. The point of view comes into play in the sections of the novel that are direct transcripts of the grand jury inquisition. Since these are legal documents, this court recorder could almost be considered as third person omniscient in terms of the inquisition narrative.

As the intent of the story is the leave the reader wondering if Jacob is really guilty or not, it is best that Andy Barber serve as the narrator. Even with all of the evidence that is presented against Jacob and the instances, such as O’Leary’s involvement in the case...