Point of View

The prologue is written in the third-person point of view following Radha. This is used to introduce why Lakshmi is gone and the mental and physical state Radha is in. The rest of the novel, however, is told in the first-person following Lakshmi as she tries to live a good life in Jaipur. This point-of-view is very personal, offering many insights into her thought process. As Lakshmi’s world begins to fall apart, the reader is privy to her inner turmoil. For example, when she learns that Paravati is spreading rumors, Lakshmi thinks, “I’d served her. Pampered her. Fawned over her. I’d handled Radha’s pregnancy as delicately as possible for the benefit of her family and mine. I hadn’t created a scene. I hadn’t demanded money. After all that, she was telling lies about me? In relation for my sister...