A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult is a book that really took me by surprise. Reading a novel in which you already know the ending to seems a little daunting. However, the format really seems to fit the story. The controversial topic of women’s reproductive rights is presented in a gripping and interesting way that doesn’t ask the reader to choose a side, but asks the reader to look at all the sides.
Title: A Spark of LightAuthor: Jodi Picoult
Publisher: Random House Canada
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Publication Date: October 2, 2018
Rating:
The lives of ordinary people become intertwined when a gunman takes hostages at a women's clinic in the #1 New York Times bestselling author's latest.
At Mississippi's sole remaining women's reproductive services clinic, a gunman bursts in and takes its patients and staff hostage. The stories that brought these individuals to the clinic vary, from a woman awaiting cancer screening results to a protestor hoping to catch the clinic in a scandal that could be used in a pro-life campaign. Then there is the police hostage negotiator, whose daughter is also trapped inside the facility, and the gunman himself, who has a vendetta to carry out. Meanwhile, across the state, a seventeen-year-old woman lands in the hospital after an attempt to self-terminate her pregnancy and is subsequently charged by the pro-life DA for the murder of her unborn child. They, too, are connected to the events unfolding in the clinic.
As the book moves backward in time, each chapter set one hour earlier than the last, we learn how all these people and their stories are unwittingly connected--and that none of these characters' reasons for being where they are at this fateful place and time are exactly what it appears at first glance.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
Reverse chronology is a plot structure that most definitely adds to the understanding of A Spark of Light. As the day moves back in time, more of what brought each of these characters to the clinic is revealed. Peeling back each individual’s layers after the knowledge of their fates is so eye-opening. This method has not been a favourite of mine in the past, but Picoult has definitely used this technique to raise awareness in a unique way.
❀ Compelling Story
The story is compelling and will have you on the edge of your seat. Also, the characters are interesting, as they represent different walks of life and have different points of view, yet they somehow all end up at the same place. Even though the end of the story is known at the start of the novel, there is so much to discover. The last part of the story holds a lot of detail and will surprise the reader.
❀ Enlightening
At the heart of this novel is the exploration of women’s sexual and reproductive rights. The setting is a U.S. state where women are having a difficult time accessing certain services. It is heartbreaking to read, and at times can be quite graphic in nature. All sides are explored and the information presented by Picoult has been thoroughly researched. There is a very detailed author’s note at the end of the book that I found to be enlightening, and also contains resources for further reading.
❀ Page-Turner
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult is a book that I had a hard time setting it down. This is one story that has given me so much food for thought, and is still making me think long after reading.
About Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult is the author of twenty-four novels, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers Small Great Things, Leaving Time, The Storyteller, Lone Wolf, Between the Lines, Sing You Home, House Rules, Handle with Care, Change of Heart, Nineteen Minutes, and My Sister’s Keeper. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children.
Her new novel, A SPARK OF LIGHT, is available in hardcover, ebook, and audio on October 2nd.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
I wasn’t crazy about her last book, but I’m glad you enjoyed this one! The structure of the story is interesting, and she always includes a twist at the end!
The twist really took me by surprise! 🙂
The synopsis and the structure of the book is appealing to me. I might give it a try.
Great review!
Thank you! I hope that it is one you enjoy. 🙂
Fingers crossed I do! 😊
I used to read Jodi’s books all the time, but I haven’t read a new one in awhile. I do think she handles big/tough topics really well though, and I’m glad you liked this one. Important topic for sure!
-Lauren
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It is such an important topic. Especially right now. 😉
I ahven’t read one of Jodi Picoult’s books in a long time. Your review has me wanting to read this one. It seems pretty timely.
It is very timely, isn’t it?! I hope that you enjoy it if you do give it a try.
Amazing review, Olivia! This is a book I REALLY want to read so I’m super happy that you liked it. It definitely gives me high hopes for when I can get my hands on it. Also, this has nothing to do with this novel but I’d highly recommend Leaving Time if you want to read more by Jodi Picoult in the future. It’s my favorite of hers so far.
I will add it to my TBR! I hope that you enjoy this one as much as I did. 🙂
Wonderful review! So far, I’ve read only one book by Jodi picoult and I really enjoyed it. I haven’t read this book, but it really sounds like a great read. I’m glad you loved it! 😊
I am excited to read more of her books, so I am glad that you have enjoyed her writing as well. 🙂
I have to be in the perfect mood for reads like this one. I am stupidly emotional, so I have to make sure I am in the mood to read a book like this when I won’t sob for hours on end. But it sounds good! For one of those rare days!
I haven’t read a Jodi Picoult book in a while but this one has a really great concept and I’m sure she delivers a crazy twist in there. Great review!
Adding this one to the top of my TBR pile! Sounds like a great read.
I enjoyed your review. This book is on my TBR list and can’t wait to read it.
I love when there is a good plot twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. Great review!
Mary
Amazing review! I plan on giving this book a try.
I am so happy that you enjoyed it. I am looking forward to this one as well.
Sounds like a good book.
This could be a really good read. I’m intrigued with the reverse chronology structure — I don’t recall reading a book formatted like that before.
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