Point of View

This story is told from the first person point of view of a Muslim named Harun. He tells the story not only of what he knows about his brother’s murder, but also the similarities he sees between himself and the person who murdered his brother. Harun was a seven year old child when his brother died and about twenty-seven when he killed the Frenchman. Harun is perhaps in his mid seventies as he tells his story.

Harun tells his story to a graduate story who wants to write a story that tells the story of Musa. He insists that the young man, who is never given a name or a voice in the novel, refer to his brother by his name. By telling this story, Harun hopes to give his brother a name and a past.

Language and Meaning

There is nothing particularly outstanding...