Perception and Reality

The central theme of the novel is perception and reality and the impossibility of truly distinguishing between the two. Through the protagonist Simon, the reader is introduced to the world of Novilla through his specific perspective, guiding the reader to initially view this strange world through Simon’s perspective. Many aspects of Novilla seem strange to both Simon and the reader to begin with, including the unsettling lack of emotional depth behind the “goodwill” offered to Simon and David, the lack of variety in their diet and pastimes, and the absence of romance and sex in the minds and lives of most of the population of Novilla. At this point, the reader sympathizes with Simon’s belief that the people here are missing something in their lives that only he, Simon, is aware is missing.

Later, however, it begins to become apparent that Simon...