Point of View

The novel is written in the first person, with Part 1 narrated by Niru and Part 2 narrated by Meredith. The choice to use two narrators is a practical one since Niru's death occurs shortly after the events of Part 1, but the use of two narrators also allows Iweala to offer different perspectives on important events in the novel.

Niru dies on the night of the last events recounted in Part 1 of the novel. Since Speak No Evil is realistic fiction, his death presents a problem for Iweala: how can the aftermath of Niru's death and its impact on characters in the novel be represented? The choice to shift to narration by Meredith is a solution that allows for the direct representation of Niru's death and further character development for characters aside from Niru.

The use of dual narrators also allows for a more nuanced perspective on...