Spring Break
Change of Heart Book Review
Issue date: 3/27/08
Jodi Picoult
Change of Heart
Atria
March 4, 2008
464 pages
Jodi Picoult recently published yet another novel this month, Change of Heart, in which a convicted murderer on death row wishes to donate his heart to the sister of one of his victims.
From the very premise, it is evident that Change of Heart will be a very evocative work of fiction, tugging at the reader's heartstrings at every possible moment, but it's also thought provoking.
As in her other novels, Picoult forces her readers to consider interesting and sometimes controversial topics with well-researched arguments. The topics here are religion, the death penalty and science.
Some might believe that writing 15 books in 16 years, almost a book every year, would make her a formula writer.
One of her most famous novels, My Sister's Keeper, was also a provocative novel with important issues at heart - stem cell research, genetic "designer" babies and cancer.
The way Picoult sets up both novels is very similar, leaning toward formulaic. Both stories are told from the points of view of various characters who are integral to the plot. In this way, Picoult can avoid bias towards one side of an issue.
At first glance, however, the style doesn't seem very unique. Both novels also culminate in court cases, although the purpose of each case varies. The writing proves engaging which prevents the reader from growing tired of the style.
Don't plunge into one of these novels expecting genius - it's more like an incredibly creative thesis paper that happens to take the form of a novel. Picoult has done her research and lets the reader make up his/her own mind about each issue.
In Change of Heart, June Nealon puts her trust in Shay Bourne, a carpenter, when she needs a nursery built before her second daughter is born. She has survived tragedy - her husband died in a car crash, but miraculously, her daughter, Elizabeth, survives.
Change of Heart
Atria
March 4, 2008
464 pages
Jodi Picoult recently published yet another novel this month, Change of Heart, in which a convicted murderer on death row wishes to donate his heart to the sister of one of his victims.
From the very premise, it is evident that Change of Heart will be a very evocative work of fiction, tugging at the reader's heartstrings at every possible moment, but it's also thought provoking.
As in her other novels, Picoult forces her readers to consider interesting and sometimes controversial topics with well-researched arguments. The topics here are religion, the death penalty and science.
Some might believe that writing 15 books in 16 years, almost a book every year, would make her a formula writer.
One of her most famous novels, My Sister's Keeper, was also a provocative novel with important issues at heart - stem cell research, genetic "designer" babies and cancer.
The way Picoult sets up both novels is very similar, leaning toward formulaic. Both stories are told from the points of view of various characters who are integral to the plot. In this way, Picoult can avoid bias towards one side of an issue.
At first glance, however, the style doesn't seem very unique. Both novels also culminate in court cases, although the purpose of each case varies. The writing proves engaging which prevents the reader from growing tired of the style.
Don't plunge into one of these novels expecting genius - it's more like an incredibly creative thesis paper that happens to take the form of a novel. Picoult has done her research and lets the reader make up his/her own mind about each issue.
In Change of Heart, June Nealon puts her trust in Shay Bourne, a carpenter, when she needs a nursery built before her second daughter is born. She has survived tragedy - her husband died in a car crash, but miraculously, her daughter, Elizabeth, survives.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Jane G. Fistere
posted 6/25/09 @ 4:30 PM EST
I just finished reading "Change of Heart" and what popped into my mind as I read it was "The Green Mile." Accused child killer on death row, mysterious healings, saves life of small animal (bird/mouse) - I felt I knew the ending before it happened and sure enough it was the same - innocent but chooses to die anyway. (Continued…)
Post a Comment