Point of View

The novel's narration employs the first-person point of view through the perspective of Mallory Quinn, a twenty-one-year-old woman who is a recovering drug addict. At the outset of the novel, Mallory relays a story about something happening, which she is no longer sure ever happened. Mallory understands herself to be an unreliable narrator, but Mallory also wants to be believed.

As Mallory sees Teddy’s drawings shift from rudimentary to elaborate, as well as containing dark themes and images, Mallory does not know what to believe. Mallory is curious and open-minded to learning the truth. Mallory wants to understand what Teddy is trying to communicate. Further, Mallory comes to understand that “the most impossible explanation seems like the most likely explanation” (157).

Mallory is surprised and pleased that Caroline welcomes Mallory into the Maxwell home. Mallory is appreciative of the second chance and Mallory wants to...