Point of View

In this novel, the author uses the first-person perspective of Thea Atwell. Thea is both the narrator and main character, which means the reader is mostly focusing on her thoughts and actions. She can only speculate about what those around her are thinking. Throughout the narrative, Thea shifts her storytelling from her present experience at Yonahlossee to her past experiences in Emathla. The first-person perspective creates a limited understanding of what happened in the past. This creates a sense of suspense, as the reader is waiting for Thea to reveal the "terrible mistake" she made that caused the transition from Emathla to Yonahlossee.

Language and Meaning

The world of the novel is painted entirely with Thea's own language. Therefore, the reader comes to understand much about what is important to Thea. Her main focus switches between interpersonal relationships, sexuality, her family, and horses. Though there...