Point of View

Though a novel written from the first-person, Small Country actually tells its story from two perspectives: that of young and old Gabriel. There are, in effect, two narrators. One is 9-year-old Gabriel, who is growing up in Burundi and who is trying to make sense of the genocidal violence around him. The other is 33-year-old Gabriel who is living in France until he decides to return to Burundi. The young Gabriel is energetic and curious about the world that he lives in; he is initially social and outgoing. However, the older Gabriel is more reclusive and contemplative.

Young Gabriel is matter-of-fact in his narration and frequently overhears conversations from his family without understanding exactly what they are saying or why. In contrast, older Gabriel speaks and thinks more lyrically. He revises his past assumptions and draws new conclusions. One example is the following passage, from...