Point of View

The narrative is offered from the first-person, limited, point of view, with a paste-tense verb construction familiar to any reader. The narrator is Dave Robicheaux, the protagonist and principle character in all of the scenes of the novel; he is entirely reliable as a narrator. The narrative frequently reveals the inner thoughts, feelings, and recollections of Dave but not of other characters. The narration is offered in the same tone and gritty texture as the novel's dialogue and Dave's world-view, values, and perception heavily colors the narrative construction and the novel's flow. This method of construction yields an incredibly textured novel that is simultaneously interesting, engaging, and accessible.

The novel's plot relies heavily upon a series of chronological events that transpire subsequent to the opening scene of an airplane crash. Most of the developments are credible—in fact, many appear inexorable—though some few...