Point of View

The Saxon Shore by Jack Whyte is written from Merlyn's point of view. In the introduction, the reader is informed that Merlyn is now an old man. He's 80 years old, and he is looking back to a time long ago, recording the details of his life. He mentions in the introduction that he is the only one from his story who still survives. The novel is written in first person, but because of the fact that it is written almost as if it is a journal entry, the reader doesn't feel as if they personally are Merlyn. It does, however, give the reader insight into reactions, thought processes, decisions, and observations Merlyn might have had for those around him and for situations he gets into.

Comments from others in the book fill the reader in on relevant background. When the men refer to Merlyn's previous illnesses...