A very interesting insight into the Amish world
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As reflected by most reviewers and readers, I suppose that when you are a prolific and successful writer, the numerous books published do not always meet expectations. Personally, this is my fourth book by Jodie Picoult I am pleased to report that I have liked it as much as I did the first one I read by her, `My Sister's Keeper'. (The other two, `The Tenth Circle' and `Perfect Match' were not up to standard in my opinion).
Pennsylvania, present day. The tiny body of a newborn baby boy is found in an Amish barn. Evidence of a recent delivery is discovered and it all points to Katie Fisher, the 18 year-old daughter of an Amish farmer, but she denies both a pregnancy and any knowledge of the baby. It is soon clear that the baby died of unnatural causes. Katie is accused of murder. This rocks the notoriously peaceful and non-violent boat of the local Amish community.
Ellie, a distant relative and a successful defence attorney, agrees to represent Katie in court but to do so, she has to live at the farm, with Katie and her family, until the legal case is set into motion. Being an `Englisher' all the way through, Ellie finds herself in a very atypical environment and starts discovering the Amish way of life, while trying to extrapolate the truth and an explanation from Katie, who denies every charge, and while confronting a few personal issues herself.
Eventually, a suspenseful courtroom drama ensues.
Well researched, fluent narrative, an interesting setting -the Amish culture, of which I knew very little about, clashing with the Western world- and an engaging plot, definitely intriguing. The only reservations I have with this book are, in this order, its length as the essence would not have been spoiled or lost had it been shortened by at least 80 or so pages -it does get repetitive at times- and secondly, its epilogue, a bit predictable I thought. But only a bit. A part from that, a well crafted, entertaining and emotional story.
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wow
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i love jodi books i have read sereral. they all get me thinking and i can never guess the ending. got my family and friends reading them. these books shouldnt be read last thing at night because A, you will never put the book down and B, when you do your head will be whirling from the story brillient makes you look at life diffrent.
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She's won me over again!
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I had gone through a phase of being quite bored of Picoult's novels. I had read through 8 in a past pace devouring more until I hit a wall with Second Glance. I had put it down, unable to get into it-which was so unlike me.
I'm going to give it another go now after reading Plain Truth. I read it whilst on holiday and found it to be an intricately woven plot line that was quite an emotional read, as well as being quite educational.
It's about an Amish girl who sneeks into her parents barn in the middle of the night to give birth to a child. She prays to God that it will go away and save her from trouble, she falls asleep after the labour to find that the child has indeed vanished. She then goes back to bed and denies to herself that the baby ever existed.
The child is found dead later the next day and the story unfolds as her lawyer tries to prevent her from being charged with its murder.
Picolt is exceptionally gifted and unravelling relationships between her characters and does so in this book with ease.
I loved every page of it and if you've never read any of her novels before, this is the perfect start to your love affair with Picoult's charm as a story teller.
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Fascinating read about a topical subject
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This was my first Jodi Picoult. I had heard about her but didn't think she would be my kind of writer. She was. I was instantly enthralled and interested.
Picked the book up as it was the subject which first appealed - the Amish are a closed society but very interesting, offering a different perspective on modern living. I think the subjects (the Amish religion and the pregnancy) was dealt with sensitively and hopefully removed some taboos.
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Fascinating and couldn't put it down!
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Really enjoyed this, my first Jodi Picoult novel. Kind of hesitated with buying her novels in the past, wasn't quite sure what to expect, think I had some preconceptions. This particular one was passed on to me by a friend, and I wanted to give it a go.
I really couldn't put this one down and stayed up too late to finish it, had to know the ending! Certainly a page turner. I found it a gripping and informative read, I liked the main characters, but in particular Katie, and I was impressed by the way in which the author gives us an insight into Amish life and culture, and this gave the novel a very interesting and different perspective and background for the events to play out again, and it also added many traditions and circumstances which therefore gives the events and the trial a different slant. I may investigate some of her other works now.
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