27 Feb Book Review: Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult

I picked up Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult because her novels always seem to dive into those gray areas of life, the ones that make you question your own beliefs. Plus, the premise of this one—a death row inmate wanting to donate his heart to the sister of his victim—had me intrigued from the get-go.

What’s it about?

The story kicks off with June Nealon, a woman who’s endured unimaginable loss. Her husband and daughter were murdered by Shay Bourne, a carpenter they hired for some home renovations. Fast forward eleven years, and June’s younger daughter, Claire, is battling a severe heart condition, desperately in need of a transplant.

Enter Shay Bourne, now on death row, who learns about Claire’s condition and offers to donate his heart after his execution. This proposal stirs up a whirlwind of emotions and ethical dilemmas. June is torn between her hatred for Shay and the desperate need to save her daughter.

As the narrative unfolds, we’re introduced to Father Michael Wright, a priest with his own troubled past, who becomes Shay’s spiritual advisor. Then there’s Maggie Bloom, an ACLU lawyer and atheist, who takes on Shay’s case to fight for his right to donate his heart, challenging the state’s execution methods in the process.

Throughout the story, strange events occur around Shay, leading some to believe he possesses divine abilities, while others remain skeptical. These incidents force the characters—and us readers—to grapple with questions of faith, redemption, and the true meaning of justice.

What This Chick thinks:

Diving into this book was like peeling an onion; each layer revealed more complexity and depth. Picoult has a knack for presenting multiple perspectives, and this story is no exception. The alternating viewpoints allowed me to empathize with each character’s internal struggles.

June’s pain is palpable. Her internal battle between wanting justice for her murdered family and the instinct to save her remaining child is heart-wrenching. Shay, on the other hand, is an enigma. Is he seeking redemption, or is there something more profound at play?

Father Michael’s crisis of faith adds another layer to the narrative. His interactions with Shay challenge his beliefs and force him to confront his past decisions. Maggie brings a touch of skepticism and legal insight, pushing the boundaries of the ethical and moral questions posed.

However, I couldn’t shake the feeling of déjà vu. The parallels to Stephen King’s The Green Mile are hard to ignore—a death row inmate with possible supernatural abilities, a prison setting, and the exploration of faith and redemption. While Picoult brings her unique touch to the narrative, these similarities were a bit distracting.

That said, the novel does what Picoult does best: it makes you think. It challenges your beliefs and forces you to confront uncomfortable questions. The courtroom scenes are gripping, and the moral dilemmas are presented in a way that doesn’t offer easy answers.

Final thoughts:

Change of Heart is a thought-provoking exploration of justice, redemption, and the complexities of faith. While it treads familiar ground reminiscent of other works, Picoult’s storytelling and character development make it a compelling read.

Rating: 7/10

Try it if you like:

• The Green Mile by Stephen King: A profound tale of a death row inmate with mysterious abilities, exploring themes of justice and humanity.
• The Confession by John Grisham: A legal thriller that delves into the moral complexities of the death penalty and wrongful convictions.
• My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult: Another of Picoult’s novels that tackles ethical dilemmas, this time focusing on medical decisions and family dynamics.

These books, like Change of Heart, delve into moral quandaries and the human condition, challenging readers to reflect on their own beliefs.