How does the author use dialogue in the novel, Akin?

Dialogue is central to the presentation of the novel’s story and characters. An important example of this dynamic is in presenting the contrasts between Noah and Michael. Noah is knowledgeable, experienced, self-possessed, and articulate, and his dialogue reflects those traits. In contrast, Michael is youthful, impulsive and often rude. Noah notes, “Clearly eleven-year-olds had no concept of which questions were rude; it was refreshing” (55), and Michael often openly demonstrates his boredom with things that Noah finds interesting: “Can we go?” (87). However, while the friction between Noah and Michael never fully dissolves, it does give way to a sense of genuine love and understanding between them.