Point of View

The author writes the novel from Danny Conroy's first person point of view. While Danny's narration determines the novel's progression and evolution, Danny's voice lives largely outside his, often refusing reflection and disallowing the reader entrance into his emotional vulnerabilities. Instead of telling the reader about himself, Danny guides her through the annals of his past through a series of complex memories. Indeed, Danny's character and narrative voice rely almost entirely on recollection for definition.

The author grants her audience the most access to Danny's interiority during his dialogues with his sister Maeve. Because Danny looks to Maeve for a sense of home, family, and stability, he is the least guarded in her presence. Though he is attempting to narrate his life in relation to the Dutch House, he cannot help returning to memories of his conversations with Maeve in her car outside their former...