A SPARK OF LIGHT, by Jodi Picoult
Random House Audio - 2018
Audiobook - 13 hours, 3 minutes
Narrated by Bahni Turpin
My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
WARNING: This story revolves around the issues of women's reproductive rights and abortions. While for the most part it is presented in a neutral manner, i f you are deeply uncomfortable exploring these issues, this book may not be for you.
There is no questioning Picoult's willingness to tackle the tough issues of the day and spin them into an intriguing story.
There is no questioning Picoult's willingness to tackle the tough issues of the day and spin them into an intriguing story.
In A SPARK OF LIGHT, the story takes place in a women's health clinic. Among its many services, the clinic does offer abortions.
Late one morning a lone gunman enters the clinic, killing two people and injuring more. While a few people escape, several are now hostages to the distraught man. A hostage negotiator - Hugh McElroy arrives on scene to handle the situation, only to find out that his daughter is in the clinic, accompanied by his sister. Aside from the shooter, Hugh, and Hugh's daughter and sister, the cast of characters includes - among others, a pregnant nurse, a pregnant woman who was raised in the foster system, a deeply religious doctor, a disguised pro-life advocate, and a mature neuroscientist.
Late one morning a lone gunman enters the clinic, killing two people and injuring more. While a few people escape, several are now hostages to the distraught man. A hostage negotiator - Hugh McElroy arrives on scene to handle the situation, only to find out that his daughter is in the clinic, accompanied by his sister. Aside from the shooter, Hugh, and Hugh's daughter and sister, the cast of characters includes - among others, a pregnant nurse, a pregnant woman who was raised in the foster system, a deeply religious doctor, a disguised pro-life advocate, and a mature neuroscientist.
From the opening scene in the book, we actually travel backwards in time, learning how each of the many characters in the story arrived to be at the clinic that morning as well as at they arrived at their own personal opinions on this highly volatile issue. While this took some getting used to at first, once into the rhythm of the story it proved not to be a problem, and actually a good way to deliver the stories contained.
In having characters on both sides of this very contentious issue, and hearing their thoughts and arguments, the reader is able to hear "the other side" of the issue - as pretty much everyone reading it would already identify as one "side" or the other. While reading this book is not likely to change anyone's overall point of view, it is likely to foster at least a little understanding of the opposing viewpoint.
Narration was done by Bahni Turpin who is one of the best and most talented narrators in the business. With her stellar range of emotion and character, her narrations are never short of perfection, and this book was no exception.
In having characters on both sides of this very contentious issue, and hearing their thoughts and arguments, the reader is able to hear "the other side" of the issue - as pretty much everyone reading it would already identify as one "side" or the other. While reading this book is not likely to change anyone's overall point of view, it is likely to foster at least a little understanding of the opposing viewpoint.
Narration was done by Bahni Turpin who is one of the best and most talented narrators in the business. With her stellar range of emotion and character, her narrations are never short of perfection, and this book was no exception.
The sheer controversy surrounding the issues approached in the book may result in some readers shying away from this title. For those who choose to read it, you will be rewarded with a good story, and possibly further insight into people who identify as being on the opposite side of these issues.
Happy Reading,
Christine.
Happy Reading,
Christine.
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