Point of View

The novel is narrated in the third-person with limited omniscience into the thoughts and memories of its protagonist, Alex Meier. The author places severe limitations on his access into the interior life of his hero. For this reason, it is nearly impossible for the reader to understand Alex's true motivations beyond what he presents to the other characters, though he is necessarily not always truthful.

The narrator dabbles in dramatic irony especially when Alex must deceive other characters. For example, the readers know that it will be impossible for Alex to find Markovsky because he killed him, but Alex strings along several other people as to Tarkovsky's potential whereabouts. This stylistic decision contributes to the excitement of the story because readers know that Alex will have to come up with an amazing story or plan in order to overcome this hardship.

Language and Meaning

The...