Point of View

The novel is written in first person from the limited perspective of Tilo. She is a mistress of spices by the time the main story line of the novel takes place, but she reveals details about her past by relating memories of those events. For example, Tilo talks about her early childhood, the boredom that came from renown and success, and leading the pirates until she traveled to a mysterious island where she studied the art of spices. Tilo seems willing to tell the truth, making her an honest narrator. She is not entirely reliable, however, because her perspective is skewed by her own nature. For example, Tilo talks about being mistreated by her parents as a very young child. Her parents became fearful as Tilo became powerful. Tilo is derisive of them until she learns about Raven's past. As Raven talks about his relationship...