Book Review & Synopsis: Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
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Book Review: Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult

I picked up Jodi Picoult’s Wish You Were Here after hearing buzz about its unique take on the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given my own experiences during that time, I was curious to see how Picoult wove such a recent global event into her storytelling.

What’s it about?

Diana O’Toole is a 29-year-old art specialist at Sotheby’s, living in New York City with her boyfriend, Finn Colson, a surgical resident. With her life meticulously planned—marriage by thirty, kids by thirty-five, and a thriving career—Diana is poised for success. The couple has planned a romantic getaway to the Galápagos Islands, where Diana anticipates Finn will propose.

As their departure date approaches in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hits New York City. Finn, needed at the hospital, urges Diana to go on the trip alone. Reluctantly, she agrees, but upon arrival, the island shuts down due to the pandemic, leaving her stranded without luggage or a way to communicate with Finn.

Isolated in a foreign land, Diana is taken in by a local woman, Abuela, and forms unexpected bonds with Abuela’s family, including her troubled teenage granddaughter, Beatriz, and her stoic son, Gabriel. As days turn into weeks, Diana is forced to confront her life choices, ambitions, and the person she thought she was. Immersed in the island’s natural beauty and the simplicity of its inhabitants’ lives, she begins to question the path she had meticulously mapped out.

Throughout her stay, Diana’s only connection to the outside world is through sporadic emails from Finn, detailing the harrowing realities of the pandemic in New York. These messages serve as a stark contrast to Diana’s transformative experiences on the island, leading her to reevaluate her relationships, career aspirations, and the true meaning of happiness.

What This Chick Thinks

Reading Wish You Were Here was a journey that mirrored the uncertainty and introspection many of us faced during the pandemic. Picoult masterfully captures the essence of isolation, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. Diana’s character is relatable—her initial frustration and eventual acceptance of her situation reflect a genuine human experience.

The vivid descriptions of the Galápagos Islands transported me to its sandy beaches and lush landscapes, providing a serene backdrop to the tumultuous events unfolding globally. The relationships Diana forms on the island, especially with Beatriz and Gabriel, are heartwarming and serve as catalysts for her personal growth.

However, the novel isn’t without its twists. Midway through, Picoult introduces a surprising narrative shift that challenges the reader’s perceptions and adds depth to the story. This twist, while unexpected, enriches the narrative, prompting readers to reflect on the nature of reality and the coping mechanisms we employ during crises.

While some may find the pandemic setting too recent or triggering, Picoult handles it with sensitivity, focusing on personal growth and resilience rather than the virus’s devastation. The novel serves as a time capsule, encapsulating the fears, uncertainties, and hopes that defined the early months of 2020.

Final Thoughts

Wish You Were Here is a poignant exploration of self-discovery amidst unprecedented times. Picoult’s storytelling is both comforting and thought-provoking, making it a compelling read for those ready to reflect on the pandemic’s impact on our personal lives. I’d rate it an 8 out of 10.

Try it if you like:

  • “The Book of Two Ways” by Jodi Picoult
    Another Picoult novel that delves into self-exploration and life’s unexpected turns.
  • “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman
    A story that combines humor and heart, exploring the intricacies of human connections during stressful situations.
  • “Leave the World Behind” by Rumaan Alam
    A suspenseful narrative set against a backdrop of global crisis, focusing on personal relationships and societal dynamics.

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