We Were the Lucky Ones

The author conducted extensive research in preparing to write this book. The key milestones that form the foundation of the story are based on that research. She then “fleshed out” the narrative with details, dialogue, and additional events. Is We Were the Lucky Ones accurately a novel, or is the book more of a narrative non-fiction work? 

Why do you think the author chose this format, rather than writing in a more traditional biography format?

How does the style of the book, in which each chapter is told from the perspective of one or two characters, impact the story?