L.I.S.T (Language, Identities, Setting, Time)

Language

Throughout the book, Julius' language is laden with detail and large words, sometimes to the point of over saturation and superfluousness. While this style is more palatable because it fits naturally into the stream of conscious narration, it is still at times distracting. His language gives the impression that he is trying to prove his intelligence to the reader, which could be interpreted as a reflection of his insecurity in the novel.

Identities

Julius is the main character of the book, but despite being provided deep insight into his history and thought process, his true objective or goal is difficult to perceive. Instead, the book focuses on establishing and fleshing out his character by giving insight into his thoughts in a diverse range of situations.

Dr. Saito is another vital character to the story, but rather than him having much individual purpose to the story, he serves as a tool that is used by the author to further convey meaning to Julius's own personality.

Setting

New York City

New York City is possibly the most important place in the story covered within it. It is here that we are first introduced to Julius and also introduced to Dr. Saito. New York serves as the first center into the thought process and mind of Julius. It is from the stress of his life in New York that leads to the development his mental walks. These walks create some of the most clear views into the thought process and stream of consciousness of Julius.

Nigeria

Nigeria appears only in flashbacks in Julius's youth. This place is, for the most part, representative of a life that Julius wishes to leave behind entirely. He willingly left in order to start his new life in New York City. Nigeria likely reminds him of his family, which he seems guilty for not maintaining contact with. Also, this is the place where he committed the rape he tries to forget about.

Brussels, Germany

Brussels first comes into the story more as an idea through flashbacks about his grandmother and his childhood in Nigeria. As a child he knows little about this place and its only significance to him is that it is where his mother and grandmother are from in Germany. As an adult it becomes a link to the past that serves as a connection to the little bit of family he has left. Brussels also serves as a gateway into the lives of a number of other memories from people Julius meets.

Time

The book is split into multiple different points in time, the majority of it taking place in the present, with Julius narrating as events unfold. The rest of the book occurs in the past, whenever Julius thinks about or remembers some aspect of his childhood or early adulthood.