Title: Change of Heart
Author: Jodi Picoult
First published March 4, 2008
448 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780743496742 (ISBN10: 0743496744)
Rating: 3.94
Overview
Raven and Alexander’s nighttime romance is about to take a turn for the worse. In Dullsville, four freshly dug graves filled with empty coffins have been discovered, and a group of sketchy vampires has moved into the graveyard.
The worst part? The leader of this motley crew is none other than Alexander’s blood-sucking cousin, Claude Sterling.
Raven and Alexander are determined to get to the bottom of what Claude and his creepy crew are up to, but things take a shocking turn when Raven discovers them in broad daylight in a place she never thought possible. With more problems on the horizon, Raven and Alexander must work together to uncover the truth about Claude and his invaders before it’s too late.
About the Author
Jodi Picoult, a renowned author with twenty-eight novels to her name, has made a name for herself as a #1 New York Times bestselling author. Her works include Small Great Things, Wish You Were Here, Leaving Time, and My Sister’s Keeper, among others.
In collaboration with Samantha van Leer, she has also authored two young adult novels, Off the Page and Between the Lines. Picoult currently resides in New Hampshire.
On October 4, 2022, Mad Honey, her latest novel co-authored with Jennifer Finney Boylan, will be available in hardcover, ebook, and audio formats.
For more information, please visit her website or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Editoral Review
Jodi Picoult’s Change of Heart is a poignant exploration of love, redemption, and faith that will leave readers emotionally moved. A master of contemporary fiction, Picoult is lauded for her ability to tackle complex social issues with sensitivity and nuance.
Change of Heart is no exception, delving into the intricacies of the criminal justice system, the nature of forgiveness, and the unreliability of memory. The novel centers around June Nealon, whose husband and daughter were brutally murdered in their home by Shay Bourne, a man with a history of violence.
As Bourne awaits his execution on death row, he requests to donate his heart to June’s dying daughter. The ensuing legal battle is captivating, as Picoult deftly weaves together multiple perspectives and timelines to illuminate the many facets of the story.
At its core, Change of Heart is a meditation on the power of forgiveness, and whether it is possible to absolve even the most heinous crimes. This theme is embodied in the character of Michael, a Catholic priest who serves as Bourne’s spiritual advisor.
Michael’s crisis of faith and internal struggle to reconcile his beliefs with his desire for justice is a stirring exploration of the complexities of religion and morality. Though heavy in subject matter, Picoult’s writing is accessible and engrossing.
Her characters are fully realized, their motivations and flaws rendered with tenderness and empathy. Furthermore, the novel’s twists and turns are carefully plotted, keeping readers guessing until the final pages.
If there is one area where Change of Heart stumbles, it is in its handling of race. The novel includes a subplot involving a black man wrongfully convicted of a crime, and while the intent is admirable, the execution falls short.
The character feels underdeveloped, and the storyline seems to exist primarily to make a statement, rather than serving a narrative purpose. Despite this flaw, Change of Heart is a powerful and moving novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.
It is a testament to Picoult’s skill as a storyteller that she is able to explore weighty themes with grace and heart. Highly recommended for fans of literary fiction and thought-provoking social commentary.
Rating: 4/5.
