Perspective

The author writes in the first person. He narrates the story by including his own thoughts and experiences. This is important. It demonstrates how Dr. Paul Farmer affects the people he encounters. The author, Tracy Kidder, was clearly moved by Farmer. He found Farmer to be an intriguing and compassionate man. Kidder also found Farmer's charity, Partners In Health, to be worthy of his support. The author's biography informs one that, like many of the characters in the book, he is a Harvard graduate and resides in Massachusetts. This may instill in him a feeling of kinship. The reader understands that the author wishes to convey the struggles experienced in impoverished areas, particularly Haiti, and the desire of a few very dedicated individuals to make a difference.

Tone

Mountains Beyond Mountains is a thoroughly compelling book. The book is not verbose and is readily understood by the layman...