Shifting Point of View

Use this forum to discuss the September Book of the Month "Apollo's Raven" by Linnea Tanner.
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Jmteachmom
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Re: Shifting Point of View

Post by Jmteachmom »

I liked the different perspectives given in Apollo's Raven. In my opinion, it added to the depth of the story. Definitely a plus for my reading experience.
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Post by Shalomsamuels1 »

I think it added to the story as we were able to see different perspectives and it didn't seem to make it confusing. Would have liked to know about Marrock though.
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Post by jjmainor »

I don't mind it. It really depends on how well the author pulls it off. While it seemed to work in this book, it did provide a missed opportunity when Catrin's mother reminded her that Marcellus was using her to get information. If we didn't get into Marcellus' head and see that he really fell for her, it could have been a "is he?/isn't he?" mystery as the reader wonders the romance is real or not.
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Post by CommMayo »

jjmainor wrote: 29 Sep 2018, 22:33 I don't mind it. It really depends on how well the author pulls it off. While it seemed to work in this book, it did provide a missed opportunity when Catrin's mother reminded her that Marcellus was using her to get information. If we didn't get into Marcellus' head and see that he really fell for her, it could have been a "is he?/isn't he?" mystery as the reader wonders the romance is real or not.
I never got the sense from Marcellus that he had actually fallen for her. It always seemed more like she was a convenient diversion for him while he was living with the barbarians.
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Post by jhalwix »

I think that in this story the multiple viewpoints worked in the books favor.
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Post by Elizabeth Pass »

I feel this style is getting more and more popular. I've seen it often enough in the past, but I think George R.R. Martin is the one to credit for its current appeal. I enjoy seeing stories from different perspectives. I have no problem reading from one perspective, as that really puts me in that character's shoes, but it's fun to occasionally read something where you understand how everyone feels.
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Post by teevic_o »

Personally, I enjoy shifting point of views. It's always entertaining to move along with the characters throughout the book. You not only get to see their thoughts and feelings, but you're also able to understand them.
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Post by Swiftmover07 »

I think switching perspectives allows the reader to get a more in-depth knowledge of the characters and allows the reader to feel more involved.
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Post by Mai Tran »

I approve shifting point of view only when there's a clear separation between the viewpoints. I really appreciate when the narratives are separated by chapter, and when the titles announce whose turn it is, like in the Games of Throne series.
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Post by T_stone »

Particularly, I indeed prefer the shifting narratives. It gives a fresh tone and view to the history and also makes the storyline more pleasing.
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Post by Jsovermyer »

I like her way of seeing the story though different characters. It would be boring if it was only through Catrin's eyes.
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Post by Laura Del »

This makes me not want to read it. I honestly am not a big fan of shifting perspectives, it becomes confusing and monotonous.
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Post by jgardner15 »

Shifting points of view can be fine if a) the author limits the point of view to no more than two or three characters and b) has clear breaks between character viewpoints, like chapter breaks. While Tanner does do a good job with breaks, she has way too many character perspectives. It explains too much and makes it hard to invest in each character. I couldn't really connect with any character because I was never with any one character long enough to develop a connection. Furthermore, with so many characters going on, I was told everything but shown very little. It took the journey out of it. If she had limited her perspectives to just Catrin and Marcellus, or just Catrin and Marrock, that would've been much better.
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Post by ReyvrexQuestor Reyes »

The perspectives may shift, as what befits the effective stance of a storyteller at any given juncture in the novel. As long as the central theme is still being clung to, confusion would not ensue.
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Post by edith38 »

I'm not sure that the credibility is the main thing to aim in a fictional story. But presenting both points of views gives the author an option to liven things up and avoid making a protagonist sound like a lovesick puppy.
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