Point of View

The novel is written from Citoyen "City" Coldson's first person point of view. By writing the novel from City's first person perspective, the author is able to enact his belief in the importance of writing one’s own story in one's own words. City's dynamic narrative voice drives the narrative progression and pacing. Though City is in control of his story, his narrative is not merely consumed with descriptions of his personal experiences, emotions, and opinions. Indeed, Book One begins with detailed descriptions of City's arch nemesis LaVander Peeler, illustrating the ways in which City relies on others for self-definition: "LaVander Peeler cares too much what white folks think about him" (3). City then goes on to relay LaVander's view of himself and of City. The opening chapters are thus driven by these interpersonal conflicts, and the social dynamics at Fannie Lou Hamer Magnet School. Over...