Point of View

The point of view of When I’m Gone is written in third person, told by an omniscient narrator. The narrator follows Luke throughout the novel, showing his grieving process and his difficulties in letting go of the life he had shared with his wife. The flashbacks of Luke’s past that the narrator offers ensures that the reader gains a more in depth understanding of his psyche and why he acts the way he does. We are able to understand the fear he has of himself by being told about his past. Through looking at events through Luke’s eyes, the reader sees how difficult it is for the partner that is left behind. He struggles with his grief but also his guilt about whether he is being a good enough father and when is it appropriate to move on and get on with...