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A review by wordsonthepaige
The Pact: A Love Story by Jodi Picoult
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
This was the first Jodi Picoult book I read. I picked it up for book club, back in high school. (I'm pretty sure a teacher recommended it, which is wild to look back on now, considering how explicit some of the scenes are.)
Where Picoult almost always shines, and what got me hooked on her books, are the complexity of the issues she discusses, and the incredible moments in the courtroom. I also like the non-linear storytelling she often employs. She is a marvelous crafter of narrative.
That being said, I found this more disappointing on a reread than I expected to. The way the fathers in this story aren't allowed to grieve as the mothers do. And partially that is a plot point, but part of it isn't. The way Kate Harte gets only brief mentions is also a letdown. This is not her story, but she is affected by it. And we only see her when it's convenient for the plot of Chris or his parents. And I found myself almost completely unsympathetic towards Melanie Gold, which is wild, as she is the mother of a teenager who died.
Overall, I still think this book is worth reading. If you are prepared to deal with these heavy, heavy subjects.
Where Picoult almost always shines, and what got me hooked on her books, are the complexity of the issues she discusses, and the incredible moments in the courtroom. I also like the non-linear storytelling she often employs. She is a marvelous crafter of narrative.
That being said, I found this more disappointing on a reread than I expected to. The way the fathers in this story aren't allowed to grieve as the mothers do. And partially that is a plot point, but part of it isn't. The way Kate Harte gets only brief mentions is also a letdown. This is not her story, but she is affected by it. And we only see her when it's convenient for the plot of Chris or his parents. And I found myself almost completely unsympathetic towards Melanie Gold, which is wild, as she is the mother of a teenager who died.
Overall, I still think this book is worth reading. If you are prepared to deal with these heavy, heavy subjects.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Sexual content and Blood
Minor: Vomit