Point of View

The point of view in the novel is complex and varies. Polemides' story is told as if in first person, but relayed through two other voices. Jason's contributions are largely first person, though relayed by one other voice and also include fragments of letters which are first person. This complex point of view leads to an unreliable voice. The authenticity of events and emotions can constantly be called into question as they are filtered through multiple voices.

Dialogue is infrequent, although long passages of rhetoric are often related as speeches relayed to large numbers of people. Focus frequently switches between individuals and the larger event surrounding them. This leads to an often confusing and unfocused narrative which can be difficult to follow.

Setting

The setting is the eastern Mediterranean areas of Greece, Persia, and Thrace as well as the central Mediterranean island of Sicily in the...