Jodi Picoult – A Spark of Light (Literature Review)

With a host of best-selling novels like My Sister’s Keeper, Nineteen Minutes and Small Great Things, Jodi Picoult has always managed to write books that strike at the heart of morality and injustice. Not only does she craft her stories in a way that shows both sides of an argument, she creates characters that resonate with readers the world over.

Her latest novel, A Spark of Light, is no different. Set in a women’s healthcare centre, the story focuses on a group of women who have all come to the clinic at different stages in their lives. One seeks an abortion, while another requires birth control.

All have their reasons for choosing the clinic as their safe haven, but for the staff it’s just an ordinary day they have to fight their way through the protesters surrounding their workplace. Not one of them – patient or medical professional – expects to be held hostage by a gunman haunted by ghosts of his own.

I’ve always loved Jodi Picoult’s work. I love the way she writes, the unique way she can get straight to the heart of the matter and make readers question not only their own beliefs, but those of others around them. So, when A Spark of Light was released in October last year, there was no doubt that I was going to enjoy it, regardless of the heavy subject matter.

Just as with Picoult’s previous novels, A Spark of Light is well written, delving deep into the moral dilemmas it focuses on through the varying voices of the characters she creates, all of whom are from different backgrounds. It’s well-researched yet not overbearing in its presentation of the facts surrounding the debate over abortion and women’s healthcare.

Like with previous novels, Picoult can present both sides of an argument but does not state her own opinion on the issue, allowing readers to come to their own conclusion. This is something that really appeals to me, as I become more invested in the story because of it.

What makes A Spark of Light stand out from Picoult’s previous novels, however, is the way she has dealt with the timeline over which the hostage crisis takes place. The novel opens smack bang in the middle of the chaos.

From there, she works backwards, providing us with insight into the lives of each character and the reasons behind them being at the clinic on that particular day. This technique is something I have never seen before; it takes a little getting used to.

Upon reflection, however, it’s definitely one of the things I enjoyed most about reading the novel. It adds to the story’s sense of urgency and, in my opinion, increases reader connectivity with the characters. We know they will eventually go to the clinic and be faced with all the horror that entails yet are powerless to do anything about it.

A Spark of Light is a great novel with a fantastic set of characters struggling to balance right and wrong. Just as with Picoult’s previous books, I have no doubt that the book will become a fast favourite among both her long-time fans and new readers.

A Spark of Light was published through Allen & Unwin (Australia). To find out more about this novel, and others they have released, visit their website or blog.