Author: Jodi Picoult
400 pages printed on paperback
Published by: Washington Square Press Publication
ISBN: 978-0-7434-2244-4
Copyright: Jodi Picoult, 1996
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Mercy is my fourth book from the author Jodi Picoult. I got this book at a used bookstore during a vacation. Not the genre I thought I would spend most of my recent adult reading life in. It seemed like a safe book to read on the flight back, and an easy way to contribute to recycling. Unfortunately, I overestimated my ability to read a book while on a plane filled with distractions.
I felt that books from Jodi (look at that, first-name basis) would not disappoint, and I was right. After having read a few of her books, I have a general feel for where the story is heading. Jodi writes books that explore issues and dynamics that affect family life. The title “Mercy” alone already pointed to the subject of mercy killing, or euthanasia. Not in the same way as a suffering pet. And these stories revolve around long-term sufferings brought about by illness. And at the end of the story, life goes on.
About the Author
Jodi Picoult is an American writer who has authored over 26 novels and short stories, many of which are in print worldwide and translated into over 34 languages. Visit her website at JodiPicoult.com
Summary
Mercy revolves around the actions of James McDonald. Jamie, as he is also known, is a loving husband to wife, Maggie. Maggie has terminal cancer and is in constant pain. When all medical options are exhausted, Maggie enlists Jamie’s help to end her suffering on her own terms. Per their agreement, Jamie was to euthanize Maggie to spare her from a prolonged, painful disease that no longer had a cure. You could say that Jamie loved her so much that he would do whatever to save her from continued pain, even if it meant cutting short the time he had to spend with her. But that action would still be murder.
Jamie places himself under the jurisdiction of his cousin, whom he has not seen in a very long time, Cameron McDonald. Cam is not only the Sheriff of the town Wheelock, he is also the current head of the McDonald clan, a clan originally from Scotland. Cam juggles these two responsibilities with contradictory goals. Things can only get worse when he goes to visit his wife, Allie, at her flower shop. There he meets Mia Townsend, who could most likely have been his wife, but for an innocuous decision made many years ago.Oblivious to Cameron’s struggles, Allie volunteers to help in the defence of Jamie. Her absence gives Cameron and Mia the opening they need to explore what might have been.
Recommendation
The book “Mercy” continues to follow the type of books Jodi Picoult writes. No genuine surprises yet that I have seen. Family issues that end up resolved. There are a few loose items that I would have preferred dealt with, but these are minor issues to the story.
It is an easy read if you are looking for entertainment. Or, if you enjoy working on the Reader’s Club Guide section, that is always a bonus at the end of each of her books.
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