A Spark of Light

I love Jodi Picoult and have probably read close to everything that she has written. That being said, this was not one of my favorite books of hers. I was not crazy about starting at the end of the story and working to the beginning and how the whole situation at the clinic started. I also didn't make a connection to any of the characters, they all fell flat to me. Finally, the epilogue left me highly dissatisfied; I found myself wanting to know more about what happened to the characters after the event.

As with all of her books, A Spark of Light gently and carefully details the thoughts of people on opposing sides of an issue; maintaining their humanity and highlighting the infinite ways in which we are more alike than different. Pro-choice women will most likely resonate more with this story than those who are not, but either way, it's a beautiful meditation on the nature of love and family.

If I could build a shrine for any author, it would be for Jodi Picoult. This book, like every single one of hers, is absolutely heartbreaking and so, so nuanced.

The themes are dealt with such finesse and the characterisations are so brilliant you can't help but feel for everyone involved - and I guess that's the point. No matter the views, opinions and beliefs we hold, it is so easy to forget our 'opponents' are humans too and no side is the caricature the other makes it out to be.

It's a gutwrenching read that took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I could not put it down and finished the whole book in one sitting. 10/10 absolutely recommend!