Robinet creates her writing style by employing the historical language native to slaves who lived in the United States at that time. This use of the vernacular language, combined with behavior and attitudes of the region, adds credibility to her novel, enabling readers to understand the dynamic elements between slave and master.

The author also uses flashbacks to educate readers about slavery. She informs readers of this important historical event by interrupting the chronological sequence of events to depict what happened to the twins while in slavery with the Marquis. This flashback technique provides the scenes that aid the readers in understanding how these experiences shaped the twins, and highlights for readers the issues of slavery.

Throughout the novel, Robinet employs simple and powerful imagery. Not only does she gives readers a concrete sensation of the swamps and its wildlife, she also informs readers in a...