Point of View

Someone Like Us is written from the first person point of view of the main character Mamush. This means that all of the novel’s conflicts, stakes, and themes originate from Mamush’s distinct psyche. The way he sees and interacts with the world dictates the narrative tone, progression, and evolution. Mamush has control of his story, even when he feels confused or searching.

Because Mamush has worked as a writer for many years, he is intimate with language and story. His narration is largely controlled and direct. Mamush has worked as a journalist for some time and is therefore convinced that “the important thing is to tell the truth, even if [he does not] know what that is” (135). However, the more that Mamush seeks out the alleged truth of why his father died by suicide, the more lost he becomes in fantasies, memories, and...