Point of View

The novel is recounted in the first-person point of view of Kiriel or the demon from hell who assumes the identity of Shaun, the American teenager. Early on, Kiriel refers to himself from the "I" perspective while referring to "Shaun's body" almost as if it were an alien being. He gradually merges into full possession of Shaun's body, using sentences showing emotion such as "I feel" or "I enjoy."

Setting

The novel takes place in an American suburb. Scenes are set in various locales: a typical high school classrooms and cafeteria, a school bus, a Methodist church, and the homes of the major characters. Although Kiriel is from hell, none of the scenes are set there, unless it be accepted that everyday life is a kind of "hell" when people do not live authentic and compassionate lives.

Language and Meaning

The tone is conversational, reflecting the...