Point of View

This novel is told in first person by the protagonist, Camille. This allows the reader to connect to the interior landscape, perceptions, and fears of Camille. However, it becomes evident that she is a fairly unreliable narrator because she, herself, is so damaged from years of psychological abuse by her mother. However, she's also notably braver than most of her family because she knows that she's damaged and faces her fears and the people who have so severely crippled her socially and emotionally.

Language and Meaning

Language and meaning range from the jargon of a newspaper journalist, to the slang of the Midwest. However, all are easily understood as they are written in context. Very often the rich and metaphorical way in which the writer depicts an event can put those inclined to squeamishness in an uncomfortable reading environment. There are graphic depictions of pig...