Weaving two sides
Well-known as an author of thought-provoking novels, Jodi Picoult lives up to her reputation with her latest release. In A Spark of Light, we are introduced to our scene, an abortion clinic in Mississippi at 5pm, where a deranged gunman has just opened fire on a surgeon and two women.
Hostage negotiator Hugh McElroy sets up to communicate with the gunman. As his phone vibrates with texts he learns his 15-year-old daughter, Wren, is inside the clinic, as is his sister, Bex.
This is a thought-provoking read from the start; Picoult cleverly portrays both sides of the abortion issue without seeming to influence the reader either way. What is certain is that no matter your own opinion, she encourages thought into other motivations.
The story follows a range of characters and in piecemeal fashion we learn not only what brought each to the clinic that day, but we delve into their back stories — from the clinic’s staff and clients to those of Hugh, and gunman George. I found the timeline, running backwards and jumping between individuals, a bit disconcerting at first but Picoult’s skill at tying the stories together soon makes sense of the method.
Tension is high throughout and details of abortions can be graphic but related in a way that ties in well with the tale. Each character has a reason for his or her beliefs, which Picoult lays out without judgment. Finally in the last chapter we learn how the eventful day began.
A Spark of Light is not a light read, but certainly an absorbing one, raising many questions — not only on the right to life issue but also of parenting, friendship, loyalty and social understanding.