Point of View

While the book is primarily written from the third person limited point of view, the very start of the book is told in present tense, first person. However, as the novel progresses, the reader is immersed continually in a barrage of flashbacks and memories from various characters. This enables the reader to grasp the motivation of the various characters and allows insight into the day and age in which Thomas found himself, and why he was treated and viewed in the way he was by various people he came into contact with.

The point of view may switch from first to third, now and again, but seems to always be centrally focused on Thomas and the incredible musical talent that he had. With it he was able to force the discussion about racism and to break through the racial barriers and stereotypes about blacks during...