Point of View

In terms of narration, the story is told from the third person, omniscient point of view, frequently shifting narrative focus from individual to individual, following the outer experiences and delving into the inner lives of several of the primary characters. Most often, the narrative follows the point of view of protagonist Vasya, as she struggles with the various forces that challenge and/or oppress her; as she makes discoveries about herself and the world around her; and as she fights off dangerous challenges both to herself and those she loves. Throughout the book, however, narrative point of view frequently shifts to other characters. On many occasions, for example, the perspective of the narration is that of Konstantin, the obsessive priest who comes to the country estate of Vasya’s family and who becomes tormented by a pair of twin obsessions – with serving God, and with...