Point of View

The point of view changes throughout the novel. In each chapter, a variety of different characters speak. In this way, the reader gains access to different viewpoints of the same event. For example, Lourdes frequently mentions that Pilar runs away from her in the airport during their exodus from Cuba. Pilar, however, distinctly remembers what really happens. Lourdes left Pilar alone in the airport when she thought she heard her father's voice and runs off to find him.

By getting the point of view from a variety of characters, the story is richer and the full story unfolds completely. However, despite the number of other characters in the novel, the focus remains on Celia and Pilar in particular. These stories help to demonstrate the strong relationship between Celia and Pilar despite their separation. Although their two worlds are separate, their family members help to have their...