Frayne begins his recollection of past events by being particular of the time, 'the third week of June': This immediately crafts a sense of time and place encouraging realism and authenticity to the narrative. It is important for the reader to become involved with the author and the points that he or she is trying to express, and so acceptance and a willingness to believe the fiction of Stephen's account plays it's part in assuring and engaging the reader.

The novel begins with use of the first person narrative and this provides an insight into the situation and context of the novel; We read the narrators interior thoughts and monologues, `you can't got back.. every-one knows that', which increases our involvement as we understand the mindset of the narrator.

The...