Cover Image: A Spark of Light

A Spark of Light

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Member Reviews

I listened to two interviews with Jodi Picoult before I read this book - she was not repetitive and both were interesting. I knew the subject but I was still wowed by this title. Not only is it told in reverse for most of the book but the subject is dealt with from all points of view and with great respect. It is obvious that Jodi Picoult did extensive research on this subject and perhaps we learn more than we would like to! Despite the action playing out in reverse there is still a surprise.
Jodi Picoult always addresses moral dilemmas in her books, in this one even more so.
Very many thanks to Netgalley/Jodi Picoult/Hodder & Stoughton for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

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A well researched booklet in an abortion clinic. An emotive subject. The law in the US is very different, very chauvinistic, compared to the law in the UK.

There is a hostage situation. Chapter one is set in the evening and then the chapters work backwards through the day. After struggling through the first 2 chapters unable to build a picture of the characters, I decided the start at the end of the book and read it backwards, ignoring the last chapter as I didn't want to spoil the ending.. This was no mean feat as I was reading on a kindle. But it worked for the book.

I enjoyed the book, read backwards. It is well written, if not a bit graphic at times. I felt the hostage situation went on a tad too long. The evolving stories of all the characters were interesting. I felt the conclusion was a bit of an anti climax.

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A fantastic sneak peak of Picoult's newest novel - we find ourselves slap bang in the middle of all the action with characters bursting from the page and a strong sense of placement. If the rest of the story lives up to this first chapter, we are all in for a treat. A great start.

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This book will resonate with me for a long time.

Its very existence is controversial, and to the demonstrators who barricade the building every day, the service it offers is no different from legalised murder. Now life and death decisions are being made horrifyingly real; a lone protester with a gun has taken the staff, patients and visitors hostage.

Starting at the tensest moment in the negotiations for their release, A Spark of Light unravels backwards, revealing hour by urgent hour what brought each of these people - the gunman, the negotiator, the doctors, nurses and women who have come to them for treatment - to this point.

I was excited to read this novel, following the build-up to its release and the controversial topic of abortion being addressed in a non-conventional way. I thought that the premise behind the book was terrific, and as ever Jodi combatted such a sensitive subject with care and authenticity.

However, I was disappointed by the layout of the book, the plot was told backwards through the narrative of multiple different characters. For me, this meant I didn’t understand the opening chapter because I wasn’t invested in any of the characters and by the end of the novel, I had forgotten what had happened.

Although the split narrative was useful in allowing each individual character to express their thoughts and feelings, there wasn’t much of a separation between who was talking, which made it quite confusing to follow. This was also more difficult due to the long chapters which would then begin where the last one started, I think it would have been more cohesive if it was written chronologically.

Despite issues with the structure of the novel, I thoroughly enjoyed the way Jodi attacked such a personal matter in a way that will resonate with me for a long time. The detail in which she described such a sensitive issue was clearly well researched and considerately written.

I would recommend reading this backwards, but it’s a worthwhile read!

Lucy

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

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Not my usually type of book but I enjoyed it. It was not what I expected. Controversial but enjoyable. Would recommend it

Many thanks to Netgalley and Jodi Picoult for the copy of this book. I agreed to give my unbiased opinion voluntarily.

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I have read most of Jodi Picoults books and this one like the others focuses on a controversial topic.
A spark of light is about a gunman that goes into a clinic (the last one in the state) that carries out abortions. It follows around 10 characters that all have differing opinions but all for one reason or another find themselves at that clinic on that day.
Jodi certainly knows her stuff and goes in depth into the legal system.
The book is interesting as it starts at the end and then goes backwards to how it all started. I thought it was a different way to write a book and certainly kept me interested however as there were so many characters and it was going backwards I did get a little confused with who was who in parts.
A difficult topic to read about.

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3.5 stars
Objectively, this was a good book but it wasn't for me. I didn't like the reverse narrative style and found it difficult to connect with the characters. Frankly, it was a chore to read. I read other books by Jodi Picoult and enjoyed some more than others; this one is definitely not my favourite.
Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC.

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I really enjoyed this book, whilst dealing with a sensitive subject the surrounding storyline dealing with the gunman and hostages is well written and extremely gripping. I couldn't read it quick enough. I loved the way that it was written going backwards and the fact that we got to find out more about the characters as the book developed.

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Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Jodi Picoult is one of my favourite authors and this one did not disappoint at all. This book begins at a Centre for women and covered topics that are difficult. Highly recommend

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I’ve read a few Jodi Picoult books, and there hasn’t been a single one that I didn’t enjoy. I think the thing that makes these books so amazing for me is that it’s obvious a lot of research and preparation has been done before she started writing. This also makes the book more hard-hitting as it’s much more realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to everyone. The writing was outstanding, and I was engrossed throughout all of it. It was easy to read, and it definitely made me a little bit emotional. Jodi Picoult has the ability to write about things that other people aren’t brave enough to even attempt. And that really makes her stand out to me as an author that will always be good. I love that this book includes different people with such different opinions - whether they be opinions based on personal, political or religious beliefs. This makes it much more interesting and again shows that a lot of research has been done. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who hasn’t yet read it.

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I heard Jodi Picoult on the radio, talking about this book, and I was intrigued to learn more about it. It is an intrigung, and unusual continuous narrative about women's choice about their bodies, and the perils of abortion, birth control, and the rampant use of guns in the USA.
The characters in this book are all very well rounded, from the detective who goes to sort out a hostage situation, and the police chief, who has the power to storm the building, and possibly shoot the so-called hostage taker, and someone who has already killed people, and injured others, including medical staff.
The many conundrums set in this book well describe the situations in the USA, at the moment, the gun laws, and the possibility of hate crime, under the President, whoever that happens to be. I found it all incredibly moving, powerful, and non-judgemental.
This book is a powerful indictment of certain people and their certainties, or uncertainties that face them in life in general, and in the particular. This review has no spoilers, and I would advise anyone who likes Picoult's writing, to buy it, read it, possibly in one sitting like I did. Many thanks to the publishers, and Net Galley for the chance to read, and review this book.

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Jodi Picoult is an auto-buy/read author of mine. It's been ages since I last read a book from hers and yet the excitement of reading her work is still the same. Once again, she proved how brilliant of a writer she is with A Spark of Light which takes on a tough issue of abortion. It is brave and admirable. It is difficult to read as it could be very graphic. There's also the gun violence and death. But it is definitely thought-provoking.

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' A Spark of Light' begins with a seemingly random act of violence. The reasons for which are gradually revealed historically hour by hour as the story lays bare the root causes whilst exploring how the main characters find themselves embroiled in the tragic situation.

' The Right to Life' and 'The Right to Choose' is at the crux of this story, which is inevitably thought-provoking, and poignant. Even though the themes are serious, the characterisation is so good that whatever your beliefs and opinions you can see all sides to this debate.

Realistic and vividly drawn characters are what makes this story readable but this isn't escapism reading but a contribution to the life and choice debate and violence in 21st- century society.

I received a copy of this book from Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Wow! This is another excellent book from Picoult. It is thought provoking and powerful, filled with tension and revelations. I couldn't put it down!

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I have read a few Jodi Picoult books and found they tend to share a common template: a morally difficult or controversial issue is presented and then all sides of it examined in great depth, via the emotions and experiences of a few core characters. The tone tends to be empathetic and impartial, and some shocking twists are thrown in along the way to challenge the preconceived notions and assumptions of characters and readers alike.

Here the big issue under the spotlight is abortion and, true to form, Picoult has kept her impartiality admirably. She presents the different viewpoints sympathetically, showing that once you have an understanding of people’s private stories then there are no easy right or wrong answers; no baddies and goodies, just people dealing with their lives in the way they feel is best for them.

However, far from being the usual involved and detailed examination, this novel read like a series of short vignettes on the subject. Characters were introduced with a synopsis of their position and flashes of their history for a little context, but it all felt a little bare and a little rushed. It lacked the detailed fleshing out of character that allows the reader to feel their pain and fear for their safety / success.

As a quick round-up of different attitudes to abortion it was well-written and fairly presented. It just lacked that emotive pull and punch that I normally expect in writing from this author.



The Center squatted on the corner of Juniper and Montford behind a wrought-iron gate, like an old bulldog used to guarding its territory. At one point, there had been many like it in Mississippi – nondescript, unassuming buildings where services were provided and needs were met. Then came the restrictions that were designed to make these places go away: the halls had to be wide enough to accommodate two passing gurneys; any clinic where that wasn’t the case had to shut down or spend thousands on reconstruction. The doctors had to have admitting privileges at local hospitals – even though most were from out of state and couldn’t secure them – or the clinics where they practiced risked closing, too. One by one the clinics shuttered their windows and boarded up their doors. Now, the Center was a unicorn – a small rectangle of a structure painted a flourescent, flagrant orange, like a flag to those who had traveled hundreds of miles to find it. It was the color of safety; the color of warning. It said: I’m here if you need me. It said, Do what you want to me; I’m not going.

– Jodi Picoult, A Spark of Light

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog

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Jodi Picoult is an author who does not mince her works and is clear on her opinions. This makes her a refreshing author.

A woman's reproductive health service called the Centre. Is under siege. Negotiator Hugh McElroy is on the scene trying to calm the gunman down. George Godfrey has managed to access the building, opening fire on his arrival.

Unbeknown to Hugh, his daughters are both in the Centre, for unknown reasons. Amongst the hostages are pro-lifer Janine and clinic doctor Dr. Ward. Their opinions obviously not getting in the way of what their jobs are. Underage Beth is also in there with nurse Izzy.

We see both sides of the story which reflects well on the comparisons made.

I enjoyed this book, even though it is like some of this author's that I have read.

I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.

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Having read many of Jodi Piccoult's books, I hadn't really enjoyed the last few until I read The Storyteller, which was a heart wrenching page turner. A Spark of Light nearly reached those heights, my only reservation was the way in which Jodi presented the book - with time in reverse.

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Wow. This book is going to stay with me for a while. Hard-hitting and at times very graphic about an emotive subject that some people may be sensitive too. Covering more than a few controversial topics, but never being overly biased to any of them. Not an ‘enjoyable’ read by any means but a story that I think need to be told and I am very glad that I read it.

The story focuses around The Center. A Womans Health clinic that is well-known for being one of the few places left in Mississippi where women can go and have safe abortions. We start at the end of the story and follow the characters back through their respective days to find out how they came to be at the clinic. The women in attendance for various reasons, the staff members, the hostage negotiator and the gunman are all written brilliantly and you get to know each of them well and get to understand their own individual reasons for being there when the gunman walks into the clinic.

The way the story is written in reverse was a little confusing at first, but once I got into it, I didn’t find it too difficult to keep track of what was going on and found it to be a very well plotted story.

The research that has gone into this book on the several topics covered is clear to see. Some of the abortion details are very graphic and I would warn anyone with any kind of sensitivity to the subject that it is very descriptive. Also covered are pro-life protesting, pro-choice, religious beliefs, hostage situations and mass shootings. Again, none are in any kind of ‘soap-box’ way and I applaud Jodi for how informative the whole story was without leaning in any specific way.

A very powerful, thought-provoking book that is going to keep me thinking for quite some time.

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I have read another book by this author before and left feeling the same as reading this one. It's a short story and I think that's where it is let down. It feels rushed, I just can't get on with this style. If only it was a bit longer to let you engage with the story. It reminds me of a conversation at a bus stop, you've got to finish before the bus arrives so you'd better get it all in quick, I prefer to be swept into the story and I'm afraid it just doesn't do that. I'm uncertain to any of the characters apart from the policeman and his daughter wren. Underwhelmed.

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This was only the first chapter but I read this and had to read the rest of the book ASAP. The story is written backwards which does take a bit of getting used to and the subject is very emotive but Jodi has done it again. Brilliant. Loved it.

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