Point of View

The novel is written using a close third-person mode, meaning that the narration is written in the third person, but it also directly inhabits certain characters’ perspectives. There are multiple point-of-view characters, including Dana, Jackie, Lupita, Hap, Alice, and Floyd. The tense of the narration shifts depending on the time period. The present-day storylines use the present tense, and the past storylines use the past tense. The mosaic of character perspectives help to fulfill the story as an ensemble piece, where each character’s experience and perspective is in some way integral to the novel’s story and themes. None of the central characters are positioned as direct antagonists. The only antagonists are minor characters such as Mr. Goss and Ben.

The focus on multiple perspectives and experiences also aids in the novel’s exploration of how different backgrounds and experiences can shape a person...