A review by eandrews80
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I was about halfway through this book when Politico leaked the draft of the SCOTUS decision striking down Roe v. Wade. Knowing that women's bodily autonomy is in further jeopardy made this an even more harrowing and emotional read.
I mostly have good things to say about this novel. It's clear that Picoult is staunchly pro-choice, but she includes pro-life characters and opinions in a nuanced and respectful way. She also examines the topic of abortion from multiple angles: emotional, religious, societal, financial, medical. I really loved many of the characters in this book, and there are a couple of really good twists at the end that I did NOT see coming.
My one critique is that the action unfolds backwards. The beginning of the book is the end of the hostage situation, and while there are a few surprises left until the end, you move backwards in time and learn about how the characters came to be in the situation. While the character development is excellent, there's something hugely anti-climactic about knowing the outcome of everyone's story right away, then having to live through all the details for 300 pages. I wish it had been written chronologically. That said, a small complaint about an otherwise thoughtful and gripping story.
I mostly have good things to say about this novel. It's clear that Picoult is staunchly pro-choice, but she includes pro-life characters and opinions in a nuanced and respectful way. She also examines the topic of abortion from multiple angles: emotional, religious, societal, financial, medical. I really loved many of the characters in this book, and there are a couple of really good twists at the end that I did NOT see coming.
My one critique is that the action unfolds backwards. The beginning of the book is the end of the hostage situation, and while there are a few surprises left until the end, you move backwards in time and learn about how the characters came to be in the situation. While the character development is excellent, there's something hugely anti-climactic about knowing the outcome of everyone's story right away, then having to live through all the details for 300 pages. I wish it had been written chronologically. That said, a small complaint about an otherwise thoughtful and gripping story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion
Moderate: Sexual assault