Perspective

David in Spinal Tap might say, “Too much, there's too much f**king perspective, now.” When it comes to the point of view (POV) of the main character (MC) in a novel, can there be such a thing? I was hammered by the brilliantly executed perspective given to the MCs of the last two novels I read, DOG ON IT by Spencer Quinn and ROOM by Emma Donoghue. These two books couldn’t be less alike. What they have in common is a highly developed perspective for the point of view for their MCs.

I keep saying “perspective” because I don’t know how else to put it. POV (the way the author allows you to see and hear what's going on) doesn’t seem to pin-point it. In DOG ON IT, Quinn uses the POV of a dog who works as the partner to a detective based in Arizona. Lots of stories are written from a dog’s POV. There are also generations of detective stories out there and more coming monthly. It’s a popular genre. The difference is Quinn nails it. Quinn even captures the scattered, poor long-term memory in a way that takes you right into a canine’s skull. Ever read any of the Hank the Cow Dog series for kids? Think Hank, but in an adult world written for adults, and now make it real. This book is a delight for anyone who has ever had a canine best friend.

ROOM takes a more sobering bend, yet comes from the POV of a five-year old boy; a boy who was born into captivity. His mother was snatched off the streets and he was born in the 11x11 foot room they live in. The mother has done an amazing job of protecting him and giving him a life under these conditions, even as she is raped night after night. Even as she struggles against her own depression. And, being captive is only half of the story. How would a boy raised under those circumstances cope if they made it to freedom one day? The entire world used to have three people; him, Ma and Old Nick their keeper. Now he has other family and Ma has other names and doesn’t know everything. Think of the change in sensory load and expectations. Donoghue captured the struggles and perspective of such a mind that make this narrative ring true, and causes heartache.

I guess I’m just using “perspective” to augment and sharpen POV. But in the case of these two books, I think it is justified – they are that sharp and spot on.