Point of View

The collection employs a variety of perspectival devices, but each story is told from one specific character’s point of view. (The only possible exception to this is “Charity,” which begins with Matty’s point of view and then switches to Harry’s about halfway through.) The stories are sometimes narrated in the first person, and sometimes in the third person. Also, some stories use the present tense, while some use the past tense. However, all of the stories (apart from “Charity”) adhere to one given character’s perspective. The point-of-view characters include Susan, Wes, Benny, Matty, Harry, Amelia, and Dolores. The similarities and differences between these characters’ perspectives highlight the ways in which people’s priorities and attitudes differ. However, there are also basic principles that unite these characters’ perspectives, such as their desire to attain peace and serenity in the face of life...