Point of View

The novel is told in the third person from the point of view of Eugene Henderson. The style is conversational, and Henderson often addresses the reader directly, even ending one chapter with "I'll tell you why," and beginning the next with "Because...." Henderson addresses the reader and other characters with his unique, rambling style which incorporates very informal prose, Biblical references, wild nonsequiturs and humorous inconsistencies. The whole of the story is told as Henderson looks back and reminisces not only about his journey to Africa, but also the forces and experiences that led him there. The only real perspective offered is Henderson's, as he does not often ruminate about the mental state of other characters. Likewise, there is some dialogue, but the majority of the story is conveyed simply through Henderson's descriptions and inner monologue.

At one point in the novel, Henderson casts doubt on...