Point of View

The author uses the third person omniscient perspective throughout the entire novel. This is a very effective way of relating this novel because the novel spans so much time. With the same perspective throughout the entire novel, the reader is able to get used to the tone of voice and the manner of which the story is told, and get a real grasp for the changes in each generation. If the perspective is the same, the reader is able to pick up on other nuances.

Another reason that this perspective is the most appropriate for this novel is because it allows for all characters to be understood - not just a select few. This is important in this novel because many characters come and go, and none of them are around the whole time. This way of telling allows the reader to understand the whole...