The tone in 'A Long Way Gone' is often harrowing. The author uses a very matter - of - fact tone to describe the horrors of war and his experiences as a child soldier. This makes the atrocities seem even more real and impactful, as he doesn't overly dramatize but simply tells what happened.
The somber tone emphasizes the seriousness of the topic. It makes the reader understand that war is not glorious. By using a tone that is often sad and reflective, it shows that the experiences of the protagonist are not something to be taken lightly and that the consequences of war are long - lasting.
Definitely a novel. 'A Long Way Gone' has the elements of a novel like a developed plot, fictional characters, and a narrative structure that distinguishes it from a simple book.