Point of View

The point of view of "Salvage the Bones" is first person, exclusively through the eyes and emotions of Esche, the only significant female character present in the novel, aside from China. The point of view is not entirely reliable, as Esche often draws conclusions or makes assumptions that are not necessarily rational or stable, and much of the time she spends comparing her situation to Medea's even when the parallels are incredibly thin. This point of view is vital to the rest of the novel, as it's most central theme is that of motherhood and Esche is bound to become one shortly. Without direct access to Esche's thoughts and feelings, many of the scenes would lack all impact toward the reader.

The story is told mostly through exposition, and many of Esche's thoughts are featured in long sections, especially memories of her mother, which are also...