Perspective

The story is written in first-person from the perspective of the author, Abraham Verghese. This is the only real option available. Had the author chosen a third-person point of view, the result would likely have been clinical and devoid of emotion. As it is, the author's torment, feelings and fears become a vital part of the story. The use of this first person doesn't greatly limit the story as in many first-person stories because the author is the only link to many of these people and because he seeks out and relates details that would not otherwise be part of his first-hand knowledge. Through this method, the reader is provided sufficient information to be fully informed about the people and events discussed in this story.

Tone

The tone of the story is predominantly sad and depressing, as is to be expected in a story on this topic. Readers...