Point of View

The author utilizes two different points of view throughout the novel. About three-fourths of the novel is written in the past tense third person with multiple points of view. The unnamed narrator provides insight to three of the main female characters by sharing their actions, feelings, and decision making processes. Chapter headings clearly indicate when changes between characters are taking place so the reader always knows whose perspective is highlighted.

The other fourth of the novel is told from the first person point of view and is written in the present tense. Emma's story is told directly by her as she is experiencing the events laid out in the plot. By getting to see inside Emma's emotions and head, readers are better able to experience the abuse perpetrated on the young child.This choice by the author is meaningful since Emma is a character who...