Point of View

The novel is written in first-person from Tilla's limited perspective. The limited perspective is typical in a first-person narrative because the narrator does not have knowledge of the inner thoughts and feelings of other characters. In this novel, it is especially apt because it allows the reader to experience Tilla's epiphanies as she makes discoveries about herself and others. The limited perspective means the reader does not know the true feelings about other characters, including what motivates them to specific actions. Tilla winds up in a situation that allows Jahvan to sexually assault her. A few minutes later, Diana insists on coming into the bathroom where Tilla is trying to wash her underwear and herself. Diana sees the blood and pushes Tilla to tell her what happened, then offers comfort. The reader has probably evaluated Diana harshly up to this point because she seems entitled...