Point of View

The novel is narrated in the third-person, switching between the descriptions of different characters in each section, all attempting to escape Morocco for Spain in one way or another. The author places no limitations on the access to any of the character's inner thoughts, allowing the reader to understand their true motivations and conflicts, though they are not always truthful with the people in their lives. For example, Aziz reveals his true feelings about Zohra moving back to Spain with him, as well as the crippling resentment he feels toward her, but he finds it much more difficult to voice these inner thoughts to her. Although he wishes for his wife to become an active part of his life again, Aziz refuses to lower his expectations for her and thus he struggles to get close to her again. The point of view expressed by the...