Point of View

The story is presented in a limited view. The reader sees the majority of the story from Noah's point of view, though there are sections that are presented from Allie's perspective when she learns of Noah's house purchase and when she returns to the inn to see Lon. The limited perspective may seem a problem for some readers because specific points are not revealed. For example, Noah tells the story of him and Allie and their reunion but doesn't tell what Allie does when she returns to the hotel to meet Lon. It's later that Noah reveals what Allie decided. Some points are presented through letters with the story divided between exposition and dialog. Both are reasonable and effective.

Setting

The book is set in North Carolina beginning in the 1930s prior to World War II. There are several distinct places in the story. The larger...