Point of View

Ruthless Vows is told through a third-person limited perspective, focusing on Iris’ and Roman’s points of view. This is useful given that the lovers spend most of the novel apart. The exception to this is the prologue and epilogue, which focus on Enva’s point of view.

Importantly, Roman and Iris’ letters are told in first-person perspective and are interspersed throughout the novel. These shifts to first-person perspective allow for Iris and Roman’s personal tones to shine through, as each of their letters reflect their unique writing voice. For example, Iris’ tone is rather playful and chiding. In one of her first letters to Roman she writes, “P.S. I seem to recall that you have yet to answer my three questions!” (66). Iris’ audacious tone endears her to Roman and compels him to respond. The underlined “you” showcases the greater literary freedom that...