The Pact could have been better
by: Jodi Picoult.
1999; 512 pages,
Rating: 4
I read my first Jodi Picoult novel earlier this year. Just a couple months ago actually (in June). Since then, I've read 4 Picoult books.
I guess it's safe to say that I generally like her writing and her stories. This one's no different. Except, I can tell that it is one of her earlier novels.
Chris and Emily have been neighbors and best friends their entire lives. So, it came as a surprise to no one when they started dating. What did surprise everyone was when Emily committed suicide.
Everyone was also shocked to learn that Chris was charged with murdering her.
Teen suicide is a sensitive topic, and it is one that Picoult delves into in a graceful and considerate way.
It's interesting though that this book isn't written in the each-character-tells-their-story-first-person style that seems to permeate Picoult's writing.
This one is simple 3rd person narration. I think it would have been improved with 1st person narration.
It's good, and I'm glad to have read it, but it probably isn't one I'll read again. Nor is it one that I'm going to be thinking about for months to come.