Point of View

The novel’s use of point of view focuses heavily on the inner worlds of its two main characters, Carmel and Nell, but at the expense of exploring the perspectives of other characters, particularly the two central male figures, Phil and Felim. This choice shapes the reader’s understanding of the narrative and themes but also leads to certain limitations.

Carmel’s chapters are written in the third person, yet the narration is closely aligned with her perspective. The reader experiences events and relationships through Carmel’s lens, gaining insight into her thoughts, feelings, and memories. This perspective, however, does not extend to other characters, such as her older sister Imelda, whose understanding of their shared history remains opaque. The limited focus mirrors Carmel’s own self-absorption and unresolved traumas, effectively immersing the reader in her emotional struggles. However, the lack of an omniscient viewpoint...