Point of View

Divine Rivals is told through third-person narration, mostly from Iris’ point of view but also from Roman’s. Having Roman’s perspective included—an idea that Ross attributes to Isabel Ibañez in the Dedication—helps the reader empathize with him. This is crucial given Roman’s abrasive personality, which he uses to conceal his true feelings for Iris.

This narration style remains consistent throughout the novel, with the exception of Iris and Roman’s letters which are naturally told from a first-person perspective. The genre is semi-epistolary as Iris and Roman’s frequent letters move the plot along. The tone of these letters is unique to each of them. Despite Roman’s posing as Carver, his voice is authentic and recognizable.

Iris and Roman’s character growth is reflected through narration. This is especially obvious in the wedding scene, when their thoughts reveal how...