Point of View

The story is told from the first person in three voices: those of Kathy, Behrani, and Lester.

Setting

Late August to early September, 1993; inside and around the house at 34 Bisgrove Street, Corona, California, United States of America.

Language and Meaning

This book is written primarily in English (certain conversations are in Farsi). This book contains numerous imperative statements or commands: Behrani used to utter commands after he'd drunk too much, just to show who was in charge. Nadi orders him out of the bathroom after she says Kathy must "lose her stomach." There are also the numerous commands Lester issues after he has broken into the Corona house, initially fearing for Kathy's safety. And Behrani commands someone in the crowd to call the police after Esmail grabs Lester's gun. However, he finally finds himself at a loss for words and cannot tell Nadi that her son...