Point of View

The narrative is written from the third-person point of view with a focus on Sierra’s perspective. This choice is fitting as this is Sierra's coming of age story. The perspective creates a strong voice for Sierra. Readers feel her confusion, her frustration, her confidence, and her resolve when the narration goes into her mind. The point of view also reinforces the figurative meaning of the title that extends throughout the novel. Sierra begins to see the shadows in her life such as her heritage and her abilities and intentionally begins to shape them. In doing so she finds her identity and grows as a person.

The point of view also supports the narrative’s structure of the hero’s journey. As Sierra is the character who is undertaking the journey, it is fitting that the narrative is told from her perspective. It is also...