Perspective

This book has two distinct perspectives: that of Shura and that of Alice.

Shura's perspective is heavily influenced by his background as a chemist. Shura views chemicals as having their own characters and personalities, and he frequently spends more time discussing a chemical or its synthesis in a chapter than he will describing the actions of the human characters. Although Shura views the psychedelic drugs he creates in a semi-mystical way, he treats their actions in a surprisingly clinical fashion. In many ways, Shura prefers chemicals to people for much of the book and admits as much. Shura's first marriage is largely loveless, and he is frequently difficult with his friends. Shura believes it is the love of the married German woman Ursula that teaches him to be loving and sympathetic.

Alice's life has been filled with numerous disappointments, which shows through in her narration. Alice gives away...