Point of View

The novel is from the sole perspective of Caroline, a 13-year-old girl who has had a nontraditional life for the past four years. She has lived alone for the past four years with a man she refers to only as Father. They live in a secluded camp with only occasional trips to town, casual meetings with a few people, and with only Father to teach her. Her upbringing has affected her perception so that she does not act in ways that would be seen as socially acceptable, especially among her peers. When she is in the facility with Valerie and Taffy, she is uninterested in the television show they find enthralling. She also does not understand their interest. Caroline seems desperate for friendship but she does not express that need outright. She tries to make connections with other people, especially children, though she does not...