Point of View

In the present-day storyline, Willie is the sole narrator and point-of-view character. She narrates in the first person and the past tense. In part, Willie’s character arc is defined by the further development and expansion of Willie’s perspective. Not only does her research eventually allow her to connect with her father, but it also gives her a newfound appreciation for the drama and complexity of Templeton’s history. These experiences also give her a necessary boost in confidence that allows her to return to Stanford to finish her PhD. Additionally, Willie and the reader gain access to other characters’ perspective via their words and actions. For example, Willie overcomes some elements of friction between herself and her mother, and they forge a deeper interpersonal understanding.

Willie’s research also allows access to the perspectives of long-deceased residents of Templeton, thereby showcasing how the...