Point of View

The novel is presented from the point of view of Hervé Joncour, with the exception of a few chapters that outline how Baldabiou came to reside in Lavilledieu. That is, the novel is presented from the point of view of Hervé Joncour in that the bulk of the chapters follow his character—very rarely does Joncour speak aloud or express thoughts. Still, what narration there is tends to focus on what Joncour does and how the people around him react to it. From these reactions, the reader can deduce Joncour's behaviors and attitudes.

All of the narration is presented in the third person. Readers learn primarily about events; the book is very heavy on plot and very light on insight into characters' motivations or commentary about the world. What dialogue exists is primarily a conclusive statement from a conversation that is noted but not recorded...