Point of View

Debbie Harry Sings in French is told from the first person singular point of view, in the voice of Johnny, a sixteen year old boy discovering his identity. Johnny relates his story once it has already happened, so he is looking back.

Because the facts are presented by Johnny, he also records his thoughts and feelings along the way. Everything described is subjective; there is no objective voice in the book.

Setting

Johnny grows up in a house in Tampa, Florida. When his mother's depression results in the loss of her job, they move to a smaller, more affordable place.

Johnny then lives in South Carolina with his uncle, in a home much larger than the one he left behind in Florida.

The events in the novel occur over the summer break through the first semester of the school year.

Language and Meaning

The novel Debbie...