Point of View

The novel mainly employs a focused third-person limited perspective, particularly in chapters that delve deeply into individual characters' experiences, alternating between different characters across multiple times and locations. For example, in chapters that center on John, the narrative closely follows his internal struggles, particularly his trauma from the war and his subsequent disillusionment. This shift to a limited perspective allows readers to experience John's psychological turmoil and loss of faith more intimately, providing a deeper exploration of his character. Similarly, when the novel focuses on Helena, particularly in her later years, the narrative closely aligns with her perspective, revealing her enduring grief and unfulfilled artistic aspirations.

In addition to the third-person omniscient perspective, the novel incorporates first-person narrative segments, particularly from female characters like Sofia and Helena. These first-person sections are interspersed in italics alongside the third-person narration, providing a direct and intimate glimpse into...