"A Spark of Light"

“A Spark of Light”

Written by Jodi Picoult

Reviewed by Diana Iozzia

“A Spark of Light” is a polarizing and electric read by an author that I haven’t read from in years. The novel is told in a reverse chronological order, showing us the last second in a shooting. We learn about the characters that are held hostage in an abortion clinic, by George Goddard, a man who has been so angered by his daughter choosing to self-abort, killing his grandson. We are instantly introduced to those who have survived up to 5 pm, and then we are shown the story unfold until 10 a.m. Our main character is fifteen-year-old Wren, who asked her aunt Bex to take her to the clinic to be prescribed birth control pills. They are caught up in the shooting. George keeps Wren alive to taunt her father, Hugh, who happens to be the hostage negotiator.

In Jodi Picoult’s typical fashion, the prose is fantastic. Picoult has a brilliant and sharp way of describing characters, implementing motifs, and speaking of important issues with a great gravitas. The dialogue sounds realistic. The characters feel read. However, I was not a fan of the reverse chronology.

In creating a reverse chronology, I feel that the writer must consider how every plot element now needs to be in opposite. We have the climax at the very beginning, which allows the rest of the story to unfold up to that point. However, in revealing the most important scenes early on, there is no more suspense. We know which characters will make it and how. Virtually, the only added element that results from this chronology is the way that we learn about these characters. Since we are introduced to a few, in quick moments, we know nothing of who they are and why they have come to this decision. To create characters backstories, there must be a large amount of exposition. And that’s what we receive for the next 300 pages.

I have to say that this book was filled with sensitive political topics. As most of Picoult’s books are political, I cannot say that I was surprised to have this be so vivid and grotesque. The timely talk of mass shootings and the debate over abortions are two topics that flood the news. In my town about a week ago, there was a shooting. In an amusement park that is one of the most famous on the East Coast, the police force was able to confiscate at least 7 different types of weapons from a man who wanted to hurt those who wouldn’t give him a job at the park. I, myself, am a woman who believes in pro-life. This book is set out to challenge your opinions and make the grey area seem a little easier to understand. However, I do not think that Picoult truly brought a new, refreshing perspective to the table. She wanted to tell a story about shootings and abortion, so she did.

As much as I liked the descriptions and Picoult’s writing style, I still feel underwhelmed by this book. In the fashion of the chronology, the more intriguing and exciting parts of the book happened in the first 50 pages, leaving the book to just need finished. I felt that I was not able to savor the book and enjoy it, since I did not enjoy the style. The conclusion was satisfying, but I still think I would have preferred to read this book in an average chronology. I felt that I might enjoy a different plot of hers, told in the reverse chronology, but implementing it into a novel like this felt like a waste.

In conclusion, I still appreciated this book. I enjoyed reading some of it. I highly recommend some of her other books more. My favorite is “The Tenth Circle”, which touches upon more than just a horrific rape. I’ve always loved when Picoult includes a plot that is so family-centric. I liked both father-daughter relationships in “A Spark of Light” and especially “The Tenth Circle”. Perhaps this book just hit a little too close to home for me. Perhaps that’s just what it’s meant to do.