On contemplation, I think what's confusing is not really the shape or form of the structure -- it's unconventional, but not inherently confusing in and of itself -- but the fact that it's somewhat inconsistent. Which isn't surprising: the author is a talented storyteller, sure, but as a writer he's facing incredible difficulties: a cultural background where there's no tradition of reading, a language that's still really quite new, few or no other fictional works in Tetum that he can draw from (although there are Indonesian novels in circulation, which are influential for some Timorese writers I've met). So yes: I think it's not my role to change the structure, because that's part of the story. But perhaps I can help him tighten it, make it more consistent, which I think will actually help showcase that structure. Which, like you said, could even be a selling point.

Thanks!