Point of View

Everything Sad Is Untrue is written from the main character Daniel Nayeri’s first person point of view. Understanding Daniel’s perspective is vital to understanding his story. As a 12-year-old refugee from Iran, Daniel is desperate to convey his story in order for others to understand who he is and where he comes from. At the start of the novel, therefore, he resists introducing himself in a conventional manner. “You know what,” he says, addressing his reader directly, “I’m not going to introduce myself. You will know me by my voice” (11). This moment indicates that Daniel wants his reader to listen to his account and become acquainted with his character via his first person narrative voice. He believes that the best way for individuals to see, understand, and love one another is by sharing their stories.

Although Daniel is young in the novel...