The Book as a Whole: The Narrative POV

[Stephanie]

Quindlen writes in the first person, from Bridget's perspective. What effect does this narrative viewpoint have on the story? How would the book be different if it were told from Meghan's point of view?

---

Reply to this message to discuss any of these topics. Or start your own new topic by clicking "New Message."

Note: This topic refers to the book as a whole.

[LaurenKondrat]

Personally, I think the younger sibling point of view offers a sort of niave-ness that we wouldn't get it Meghan was telling the story. It's true, Bridget is not at all naive, being 43 and a worker of one of the hardest jobs there is, but she is still an outsider looking in. She can only tell what she witnesses, and how it makes her feel. She can never really know what Meghan is going through because only Meghan can do that.

If Meghan were telling the story I think it would be a lot more bitter, and even possibly short and to the point because Meghan doesn't seem to be the type to gripe about her problems. However, Bridget can gripe because she is the sister and she is worried, whereas I think Meghan would be too proud.

[Stephanie]

Lauren,

Good point about Meghan's narrative - I've tried to imagine this story from her point of view, but then, she would be much less of a "star" as she is, even in Bridget's eyes. We would get Meghan's inner thoughts, not the outward appearance she presents, even to her sister. We would be much more inclined to believe Evan a monster, and we might even blame Bridget for Leo's incident, not knowing him in that arena at all.

I think in this case, the author definitely knew best.