The Protagonist

Mila Sumrall's novel begins with a philosophical statement about how humans tend to view themselves as the protagonists of their own lives. This, she observes, is not a completely rational perception because it doesn't take into account other people's perceptions. We are not, after all, the protagonists in other people's lives. Therefore, how could we truly be protagonists? But just because we are not as important as we think we are does "not make us worthless, just not worth everything." This opening statement sets the tone for what is to come. What drives this novel is not plot but the strength of Sumrall's writing, which is graceful and wise and humorous. This is a compelling avant-garde novel by a precocious writer.