What is the author's style in The Blue Afternoon: A Novel by William Boyd?

The novel is narrated by Kay Fischer, the protagonist. She relates the story from the first-person point of view. Part One and Part Three of the novel are relatively straightforward narratives in the first-person and limited perspective. In these parts, Kay acts as a relatively traditional narrator. Part One of the novel, in particular, features traditional fiction construction and plotting. Part Three of the novel features some unusual construction methods that complicate the point of view somewhat: here, Kay presents the materials as a sort of notebook or diary. Although this is interesting and useful it does not obscure the fact that Kay is the narrator, and that she has limited insight into others. Part Two of the novel is much more subtle in point of view. Here, the novel reads like a traditional third-person and omniscient narrative with a tight focus on Salvador Carriscant. However, the narrator does reveal interior thoughts and motivations of other characters. It is important to remember, however, that Kay is still the narrator and that even Part Two is related from the first-person point of view. Kay is relating events told to her about a period of time before her birth. Kay's narrative is reconstructed from notes and her memory of a lengthy series of conversations she had with Carriscant who relied on his own memory. The point of view selected is compelling and appropriate, and materially aids the reader in understanding the narrative and complex, subtle motivation of Kay Fischer.