Ambassador of the Shadows (Valerian)

What is the narrator point of view in the novel, Ambassador of the Shadows?

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The novel is presented from varying perspectives, depending on what is happening at a given time. The novel opens with a limited, omniscient perspective presented by the narrator. In those opening pages, the narrator gives a possible explanation for the beginning of the universe, including the first contacts between sentient beings. While the majority of the novel is focused on the actions of Laureline and Valerian, these opening pages provide an overview of how Point Central was created, including the fact that every sentient being throughout time has tried to find other forms of life.

After those first pages, the novel becomes focused entirely on Laureline and Valerian. In those scenes, the perspective is limited to what one or the other of those characters knows, with the majority of the focus placed on Laureline. When Valerian goes with Earth's Ambassador, hoping to save his life, the reader remains with Valerian until he leaves. After that, the focus reverts to Laureline and the reader knows only what Laureline knows. For example, the reader does not know where Valerian is until Laureline discovers where his whereabouts. This perspective is appropriate to the story and allows the author to present the surprise conclusion.

Source(s)

Ambassador of the Shadows, BookRags