Multiple POVs

[theduckthief]

So just as in "The Moonstone" Collins' has written this book with various 1st person POVs. Does this add or take away from the story? Do you like a story narrated by more than one person?

[Kathleen]

I enjoy this technique. Each person brings their own perceptions and experiences into the whole, and I find it much more interesting than a third-person narration. I would think it is quite a challenge to the author, to remember who knows what and how they learned it.

[David]

I like the technique. I think it also shows how good of a writer Wilkie Collins is, to be able to write the story from the point of view of several different characters that are so different from each other.

[Milt]

I hesitate to comment, as I have not read Collins' book. However, I read 'I am Red' by Orhan Pamuk recently, in which every chapter is narrated by a different person or thing. The colour red, a painting of a horse, and even the devil makes an appearance as a narrator. Some characters do recur as narrators. I must say that since Pamuk is an amazing writer, it comes off very well. If any of you get the chance, read "I am Red." It is a challenging read but a brilliant work of fiction.

Once the author is able to construct different voices successfully, this narrative technique is a work of art.

[Adela]

I just finished today, and I loved the book. The different narrators definitely worked for me. The characters described in one narrative were recognizable when it came to be their turn to tell the story. There was consistency, even when the point of view changed.