Point of View

For the most part, the narrative is written from the first person, past tense perspective of its young central character, Primrose Squarp. This draws the reader thoroughly and effectively into Primrose's experiences, seeing events, characters and situations from her point of view as she struggles to hold on to her faith and habits in the face of some pretty challenging opposition. It's important to note, however, that for the most part, Primrose is a reactive central character, or protagonist. In other words, she doesn't make things happen in the way many protagonists do, but instead reacts to what's going on around her/to her. Yes, she takes some important actions (such as, for example, running away from her tormentors in school), but for the most part she is responsive to what's going on, rather than creative. The point is not made to suggest that this is...