Point of View

Throughout the novel of Number the Stars, readers are told about Annemarie Johansen's childhood from the author’s point of view.  Even though, the novel   isn't told in first person, the narrator does a decent job of   including important details that are more likely noticeable when told through first person. Such as, characters actions, personalities and emotions. If the author never mentioned the character's reactions to events within the novel, it would be a very boring read.  Chapter five called “Who is the Dark Haired one?"  Is a perfect example of how the author brings each character's reactions into play.   “This is the Johansen apartment”, requested the deep voice of a Danish Solider, frightening the Johansen’s family. Papa answered “What do you want? Is there something wrong?" Meanwhile the entire family has awakened, this causes the mother to be irritated with the soldiers from the very start. “Then will you be so kind as to tell me where the Rosen's are," demands the soldier. “I assume they are home, and sleeping.” “It is four in the morning, after all." After reading the conversation she has with the soldiers, her tone is very noticeable and I can already infer she is furious with the Nazi’s but doing her best not to show it for the safety of her family.

     Since the narrator/author does a fine job of describing each character and their motives, I can’t imagine the story being told better if told in first person, because I like being aware of every individual’s personalities, instead of just one in particular.   I believe Ellen telling the story in her words would be just as interesting and go in just as much depth about the everyday fear she has to live in, just because of her religion.