Point of View

This novel is told through a third-person point of view throughout the story. But rather than providing a removed, birds-eye-view, the narrator is an omniscient all-knowing voice that is intimate and shares the inner feelings and thoughts of the characters. For example, the opening paragraph reads: “It wasn’t the plane Lina feared, but the sky above the airfield. Acres of space unbroken by trees or buildings made Lina nervous. They made her feel as though she would float away” (3).

What makes this narrative point of view interesting is that it alternates between focusing on the three main characters: Lina, Sunny, and Wei. These transitions can sometimes be quick, with each chapter switching between characters’ perspectives. Other times, the focus might remain with one character for several chapters in a row. By using multiple characters’ perspectives, the author effectively demonstrates the disconnect between people’s...