Title: A Spark of Light
Author: Jodi Picoult
Pages: 352
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source: Free ARC from Ballantine Books
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Note: As stated under the Source (above), I received this book for free from Ballantine via NetGalley. I pride myself on writing fair and honest reviews.
Goodreads Summary: “The warm fall day starts like any other at the Center—a women’s reproductive health services clinic—its staff offering care to anyone who passes through its doors. Then, in late morning, a desperate and distraught gunman bursts in and opens fire, taking all inside hostage.
After rushing to the scene, Hugh McElroy, a police hostage negotiator, sets up a perimeter and begins making a plan to communicate with the gunman. As his phone vibrates with incoming text messages he glances at it and, to his horror, finds out that his fifteen-year-old daughter, Wren, is inside the clinic.
But Wren is not alone. She will share the next and tensest few hours of her young life with a cast of unforgettable characters: A nurse who calms her own panic in order save the life of a wounded woman. A doctor who does his work not in spite of his faith but because of it, and who will find that faith tested as never before. A pro-life protester disguised as a patient, who now stands in the cross hairs of the same rage she herself has felt. A young woman who has come to terminate her pregnancy. And the disturbed individual himself, vowing to be heard.”
Review: This book is another perfect example of an author I respect and previously enjoyed, writing a book about a highly relevant and emotional topic that I’m drawn to, but still managing, against all odds, to leave me wanting.
To be fair, I’m not a Jodi Picoult fan the way so many are, in that I’ve only read one of her books – Small Great Things. However, I did love that book and the way she studied the subject matter from many different angles. It was tough material, and I have a lot of respect for the way she approached it. Which is why I follow her on Twitter and have great admiration for her.
While I acknowledge that she addressed the subject matter with the same kind of respect, thoughtfulness, and open-mindedness, showing both sides of the story, something fell flat for me. The approach of starting out in the middle of the action is interesting, but didn’t really work for me. I understand why it seemed like a viable tactic, unraveling each person’s story by moving backwards instead of forwards, but it took all the energy out of the plot, and I found it disconnecting.
I originally gave this 4 stars (which was really a 3.5 rounded up because Goodreads), but now that a few months have passed, I find I like it even less. A meh feeling = 3 stars in my book, and this was definitely a solid 3 stars. If you’re a big Picoult fan, I’m sure you’ll read it whether I recommend it or not. 😉 If you haven’t read her before, I’d still give her a go, I’d just start somewhere else.
Omg!! I forgot I have this one! Awesome review Myndi!! Thanks for the reminder!🤪💙
Thank you! Always glad to be of service.
Miss the snow yet? 😉
Um, well, let’s see……no!!!🤪💙
Definitely an honest review and one that gives your reader some options. I was initially disappointed that I did not receive this as an ARC, but as time moved on, I saw more “meh” reviews, as you say, and realized I was probably saved from some wasted hours. Thanks for sharing your opinion.
Thank you for the feedback. Every author has a miss here and there, and I think this is especially true if they are a prolific writer. With 24 novels under her belt, I’d say Picoult is going to occasionally write a book that doesn’t appeal to all.
Wonderful, thoughtful review, Myndi. I understand your thoughts on this one. I’m glad I read it, but it definitely was not her best.
Thanks, Jen. Fortunately, the first thing I read by her I loved, so I’ll definitely read more by her.
This one had a lot of mixed reviews. I was a bit put off by the backwards timeline of this one, I often felt a bit confused. The subject matter of course, is a tough one. I waffled when I reviewed and rated this book. I am glad I read it, but agree with Jennifer, not one of her best.
Thanks, Carla! I know she is a beloved author, and I follow her on Twitter because I find her to be very respectful when tackling difficult subjects, and generally, I just enjoy her Twitter personality. At some point, I plan to go back to her earlier work.
Thanks for sharing your honest review, Myndi. I’ve been a fan of Jodi Picoult for what seems like forever. I’m starting this book this week and hope I enjoy it. Definitely mixed reviews on it! I did enjoy Small Great Things too. 💜
I hope you enjoy it, too!