Points of View

The novel is told in third-person point of view, mainly from Léonie's perspective. However, in the last chapter, "The Words," Léonie describes how she wants to construct a narrative incorporating Thérèse's writings and the stories of many different characters. Thus in scenes that are important to Thérèse, or where Thérèse feels intense emotion, the author has continued with third-person narration but gives Thérèse's perspective instead of Léonie's.

By varying the storytelling in this way, the reader gets a better understanding of the motivations and emotional reactions of the two main characters. This also balances our reactions to the characters as we progress through the novel. For example, Léonie's anger at her cousin colors much of the novel, and as readers we sympathize...