Point of View

The novel is related by a third-person narrator whose focus remains almost entirely on Landsman’s point of view. Two exceptions include Chapter 25 and Chapter 39, which are focused on the perspectives of Batsheva Shpilman and Alter Litvak respectively. However, apart from those interludes, the narrative is generally restricted to Landsman’s perspective as he works to uncover the mysteries related to the death of Mendel Shpilman. The presentation of investigation is therefore influenced by Landsman’s own personal history and personality traits. Landsman persists in his investigation despite repeated orders not to because he wishes to be an instrument of justice. However, his persistence is also based on a personal aversion to idleness from his police work. Therefore, the intriguing nature of the mystery that propels the narrative forward is also propelled by Landsman’s own personality.

Landsman’s specific character traits also affect the...