Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - A Spark of Light

I was about halfway through this book when Politico leaked the draft of the SCOTUS decision striking down Roe v. Wade. Knowing that women's bodily autonomy is in further jeopardy made this an even more harrowing and emotional read.

I mostly have good things to say about this novel. It's clear that Picoult is staunchly pro-choice, but she includes pro-life characters and opinions in a nuanced and respectful way. She also examines the topic of abortion from multiple angles: emotional, religious, societal, financial, medical. I really loved many of the characters in this book, and there are a couple of really good twists at the end that I did NOT see coming.

My one critique is that the action unfolds backwards. The beginning of the book is the end of the hostage situation, and while there are a few surprises left until the end, you move backwards in time and learn about how the characters came to be in the situation. While the character development is excellent, there's something hugely anti-climactic about knowing the outcome of everyone's story right away, then having to live through all the details for 300 pages. I wish it had been written chronologically. That said, a small complaint about an otherwise thoughtful and gripping story.

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kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Even with the weird plot structure that kept confusing me (the book is written backward), I can’t discredit the way Jodi tells a story. The social commentary, the unexpected plot twist, the dissection of the human experience, and the understanding that everything is complex. This is a story about women. Their choices, their secrets, their battles, their love. Another stellar Picoult novel.

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