Point of View

The narrative unfolds from the third person omniscient point of view – that is, with insights into the inner lives, experiences, and perspectives of a number of characters. The important point to note about this first aspect of point of view is that it shifts. As the focus of the story moves from present to past, the point of view follows the character who is central in the history under consideration, and explores the lives of that character and those who interact with him or her with that omniscient perspective. For example, in the sections where the narrative focuses on Lucia’s past, point of view focuses primarily on her and occasionally diverts to those with whom she interacts, considering their inner lives and experiences. The same is true for sections in which Richard’s history is the focus, and for sections in which the history...