Point of View

On Fortune's Wheel is written in third person past tense from Birle's point of view. At its essence, the novel is the exploration of one young woman's growing independence. It recounts Birle's journey of self-discovery, which eventually leads her back to her home. The point of view remains close to Birle, recounting her innermost thoughts and feelings. The reader is aware of Birle's love for Orien long before the Lord is. The reader suspects Birle's pregnancy long before it is revealed in the castle.

This point of view has both strengths and limitations. The reader is shown only what Birle directly experiences. The details of Orien's daring escape from the mines, his father's death and his life in slavery are not accessible. The result is that while Birle is presented as an independent, forthright young woman, Orien seems rather weak and ineffectual. The personality of Yul...