Point of View

The novel is essentially told from only two perspectives: Robert's and Suzy's. However, the perspectives of other characters sometimes arise in Robert's sections, but these alternate perspectives are still filtered through Robert's point of view. In Robert's sections of the novel, most of the narration is either Robert's direct descriptions of what he experiences in the novel's main narrative, or his recollections of previous events. Although the novel is all told in the past tense, Robert's perspective alternates between his thoughts and experiences concerning the main narrative (his investigation into Suzy's disappearance) and his general thoughts, feelings, and recollections of his own past experiences. The perspectives of other characters organically arise in the course of Robert's investigation, as it is necessary for Robert to examine different perspectives in order to piece together the larger picture. For example, when Victor or Happy give Robert information about...