Point of View

In terms of narrative point of view, the story is told from the first-person perspective of protagonist Charlie Feehan. Overall, the first-person perspective of the story effectively engages the reader in Charlie’s struggles and triumphs, with moments like the fights with Barlow, the relationship with Ma, and the climactic race sequence being particularly effective.

Both those struggles and triumphs are closely tied to the book’s central thematic perspective – specifically, its focus on the power of hope. At one point, Charlie himself makes the suggestion that hope is, in fact, the reason he has done what he has done. Many of his actions and choices throughout the book manifest this contention, actively developing this central theme. At times, those actions suggest that Charlie’s hope is something closer to ambition, or hunger. This is particularly true when Charlie’s drive to make a better...