Point of View

The book is divided between first and third person, and between limited and omniscient points of view. The method may seem confusing, but the author uses this well and further emphasizes the differences by also changing between past and present tense. Each time the storyline is written from an omniscient view in third person, past tense is used. However, when the author switches to first person with a limited view—only of Mariah's thoughts and actions—the tense changes to present tense. The changes emphasizes Mariah's point of view and is actually very effective.

The book is divided between dialogue and exposition. Both descriptions and conversations are believable, to the extent the reader can - and will - believe in the religious happenings that occur. For example, Millie's "resurrection" is described from Mariah's point of view in third person. Mariah watches as her daughter...