I was somewhat challenged in maintaining focus when I first started reading the article . I can now see that the details at the beginning, which I thought seemed irrelevant, offered background and contrast to what the story was actually devoted to.
This first person narration was quite interesting to follow, because it engages the reader’s senses as the author tells the story through detailed description. There was also dialogue which added to the experience of the author in this particular setting. Jonathan Harley used his own voice to deliver the story as his observations were critical in telling it. He was open about his reactions and his language, relevant to the context of the story, and provided his own analysis and insight in relation to the issues he was faced with, personally and professionally.
His experience as a correspondent was a vital ingredient to the story, as it created context and perspective.
The reporting element in the article is not, however, diminished by the use of first person narration. He includes religious and political facts in the story to back up the narrative, and gives it the seriousness that is actually at the heart of the story.
