Point of View

Vesper Stamper utilizes a first-person narrative perspective in this novel. The story is told from the point of view of Gerta, the novel’s heroine. This has the effect of bringing the reader close into Gerta’s experience and the novel feels very intimate. We feel what she feels and walk with her through childhood, war, liberation, and her new beginning.

Gerta is a detailed and honest narrator and brings readers along into her heart and soul. Her reflections are deep, her flashbacks are poignant, and her observations are sharp. The reader witnesses events from Gerta’s point of view, however the author also provides ample context and background information for the reader when necessary. This allows us to get to know the other supporting characters as well, but through her point of view.

The choice to use a first-person narrator consistently throughout the novel...