Point of View

The primary point of view of the novel is provided through a third-person, omniscient narrator. Though there a number of characters throughout the novel, the narrator is able to closely follow them and their thoughts regardless of whether events are unfolding in heaven or on Earth. There are a number of connections between characters that unfold over time, and events that are connected but that would not be appear so to the ordinary person. These events include how the exact events leading up to Tolbert meeting Paulo and Annie on the highway, and him saving Paulo's life in a way that allowed the couple to spend a night together. The characters involved are unaware of how exactly they have come together and how their lives are affected as a result, but the narrator has an understanding of these events and can explain them to the...