A powerful story about Ruth, an experienced midwife (or Labor and Delivery Room Nurse as they are called in the U.S), who has been directed to have no involvement in the care of a baby boy because of her race, but when she is left to observe the infant momentarily as the department is shorthanded, he arrests and her care of the baby is questioned leading to her being charged with murder of the infant.
This is another well-crafted and compelling read from master storyteller, Jodi Picoult, who shows tremendous depth of understanding once again as she delves into the question of racism and equity. The story unfolds from numerous points of view including Ruth, her lawyer and the father of the baby. I found each of these voices very convincing as the characters are well written.
This book undoubtedly deals with some very unsettling and uncomfortable themes, but I felt enlightened and full of self-reflection once I had finished the book. Although I was consumed about what was going to happen to Ruth, part of me did feel a little sceptical about the escalation of the matter to a criminal court case, but suspending my doubts on the plausibility of the story proceeding in the direction it did, the strength of this read was in the depth of the characters and the issue of race and racism, both active and passive.
An electrifying legal drama to boot, there’s a lot going on in this novel and I cannot recommend it enough. This book will be available for purchase from the 22nd November 2016.
Links To Book:
Ajoobacats Blog 
Ajooba have you seen 12 years a slave?
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Yes, and read the book. The book is better in my opinion.
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I rest my case
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I’m what case were you making?
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I thought you hadn’t seen the movie, to find you read the book too
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The book is excellent, even my husband read it and he rarely reads a book.
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I like the idea of this book, but I was concerned about Jodi Picoult writing as a black woman, because she’s hella white. I’m glad to see you enjoyed it!
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The story is told from four perspectives so she writes as a white woman and a white man as well as a black woman. As a woman of colour myself, I found her voice sincere in all of the characters, something I’m sure is not easy to pull off.
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I’m really glad to hear that! It wasn’t clear from the synopsis, but that makes me more willing to pick this one up. Thank you!
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On my to read list. You’ve inspired me to move it up! Thanks!
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I absolutely loved this and am seeing Jodi Picoult in Bath on 1st December.
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I’ve heard a lot of buzz about this book. Thanks for your review. It sounds interesting. I’m going to add it to my tbr list.
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I really hope you get to read this one soon. I still can’t get it out of my head.
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