A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Intricate, gorgeous and incredibly intelligent, I loved every second of this book. No matter what your views on this very sensitive social issue, A Spark of Light is a wonderful read.
Rather than being preachy about either side, I think the success lies in that it so eloquently shows that there are many sides to this issue. That each us have our own idea of the truth that is shaped by our pasts, and that means none of us are necessarily wrong in how we live our lives, we are just living the best life we can following the best morals we know.
I found A Spark of Light balanced, fair, well researched and bold in highlighting issues and facts that many (again, from both sides) shy away from. Picoult is one of my favorite authors and this again proved why.
Structurally, the story starts at the end and moves backwards, which was such an interesting way to handle this story, and as an author myself I’m aware this must have been incredibly difficult! It could have fallen flat, as the characters essentially developed backwards, but in Picoult’s capable hands, the story was suspenseful and eloquently done.
I found it so interesting that Picoult chose to use the 3rd person (rather than 1st), which really helped the story not be preachy, but instead be what it is: a story. Initially it felt like there was a little too much backstory to each character, but in the end I felt I knew them so well and I loved all of them, particularly Dr. Louie!
A truly masterful story done sensitively and eloquently. I raise my hands to Picoult, the goddess of writing. 🙂
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
