Picoult captivates readers with Change of Heart
Wed 27 May 2009
Amanda Posch, Journalism
Confronting controversial topics are not new issues for writer Jodi Picoult, and her page-turning novel Change of Heart is no exception.
Religion, the American legal system, and forgiveness are issues of prominence in Ms Picoult’s 2008 novel.
June Nealon, the pregnant wife of a police officer and mother of a young daughter, finds her world turned upside down after her family is murdered by Shay Bourne. Years later, Claire, June’s daughter, is in desperate need of a heart transplant. Afraid to lose another child, June will do whatever she can to save her. Or will she?
After being convicted and expending all of his appeals, Shay, who is on death row, awaits his final days. From dead birds being brought back to life, water turning to wine, a man being cured of AIDS, and endless amounts of bubblegum, people begin to question whether Shay is a cold blooded murderer, or the possible Messiah.
Not only is Ms Picoult’s novel A Change of Heart an interesting piece of fiction, the extensive research she did for it adds a new dimension of eerie realism.
With a character for almost everyone to relate to (a priest questioning religion, a mother waiting for justice, a lawyer passionate about her work), the book gives readers a sense of comfort, while also presenting new points of view which challenges the opinions of the norm.
With Change of Heart, Ms Picoult reaffirmed her status as a captivating author and once again delivered a brilliant piece of work that will keep you intrigued until the last page.
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Submitted Comments
I was hooked on My Sisters Keeper and judging by your review Change of Heart will rise to the top of my library list!
Macaela French
Good book, good review.
Megan Marks