Point of View

The point of view of the novel is a third-person narrative about Montalbano. The third person narrative is limited in scope, giving the reader access to Montalbano and those around him. While information is given about characters not directly involved in the early pages of the novel, such as Mongibello, the narrative does not shift to Mongibello.

Montalbano is getting older and accepts it as much as he denies it. He is trusted as an investigator, but he is also recognized as a loose cannon. For example, the commissioner prefers to remain ignorant to parts of Montalbano’s investigation to avoid liability.

Montalbano has trusted associates, such as Augello and Fazio. Not much is known about them in the context of this particular novel. Montalbano also has a long-time girlfriend, but he only interacts with her over the phone.

Montalbano and others are keenly aware...