Point of View

The novel is written in first person from the limited perspective of Caleb Franklin, a 10-year-old boy who has lived a very sheltered life in Sutton, Indiana. Caleb's view of the events of this novel is limited by the fact that he does not know what other people are thinking or feeling unless they reveal those thoughts. Bobby Gene, Caleb's brother, is something of an exception to this rule because of the close relationship between the two. Caleb and Bobby Gene sometimes finish each other's sentences and know the other's thoughts, which means that Caleb has a greater insight into Bobby Gene's thoughts than any of the other characters.

The perspective is further affected by Caleb's experiences. For example, Caleb is enamored with Styx from the moment they meet, despite the fact that Styx chokes Bobby Gene during that first encounter. Even the choking does...