Point of View

The point(s) of view in this novel are, in fact, used as a narrative device.

The chapters are not numbered, as with "traditional" novels, but are all named after one of either four of the main characters - Florian, Joana, Emilia and Alfred - who tell their version of events as they experience them. The first person is often used as a narrative device, lending something of a more personal/intimate quality to the story, but less often is it used from more than one point of view. This proves highly effective at conveying the outlook, and attitudes, of highly diverse characters. From the resigned thoughtfulness of Joana, to the cautiously observant Florian, to the colorful imagination of Emilia, to the conceited arrogance of Alfred, all characters are best illustrated by their own words, and their own story.

The technique particularly comes into play...