52 pages • 1 hour read
A Spark of Light
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Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Jackson, Mississippi • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
HL790L
Super Short Summary
Published in 2019, Jodi Picoult’s novel A Spark of Light tells the story of a gunman’s attack on an abortion clinic from multiple points of view, examining the lives of different characters and the events that lead them to the clinic on that day. Sensitive issues such as abortion, sexual assault, gun violence, death, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide, and addiction are discussed in the book.
Emotional
Contemplative
Suspenseful
Challenging
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
167,117 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult has garnered praise for its timely and bold exploration of reproductive rights, featuring complex characters and multiple perspectives. However, some readers have found the reverse chronological storytelling a bit confusing. While many appreciate the emotional depth and intricate narrative, others feel it can be overly didactic at times.
Who Should Read A Spark of Light?
Readers who appreciate Jodi Picoult's signature blend of emotional depth and provocative ethical dilemmas would enjoy A Spark of Light. Fans of books like The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Small Great Things by Picoult herself, which tackle timely social justice issues through multiple perspectives, will find this novel compelling and thought-provoking.
167,117 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Elizabeth/Lil/Beth Goddard
Elizabeth/Lil/Beth Goddard
Elizabeth, also known as Lil or Beth, is George's 17-year-old daughter who struggles with her father's overprotective nature while seeking her independence.
Hugh McElroy
Hugh McElroy
Hugh is a police hostage negotiator and single father devoted to raising his daughter, Wren, with love and stability.
Wren McElroy
Wren McElroy
Wren is Hugh's 15-year-old daughter, who faces the challenges of growing up amidst a traumatic event.
Bex McElroy
Bex McElroy
Bex is a nurturing figure in the McElroy family, an artist who raised Hugh and supports Wren as both family and a confidante.
Dr. Louie Ward
Dr. Louie Ward
Louie is an OB-GYN at the Center, guided by his Christian faith to provide compassionate care, particularly in reproductive health.
Olive Lemay
Olive Lemay
Olive is a retired professor facing a personal crisis who becomes a supportive presence in the midst of chaos.
Joy Perry
Joy Perry
Joy is a waitress and student grappling with loneliness and difficult decisions regarding her future.
Janine Deguerre
Janine Deguerre
Janine is a young activist who infiltrates the Center, driven by her beliefs and personal past experiences.
Izzy
Izzy
Izzy is an emergency room nurse who faces significant personal decisions while caught in unexpected circumstances at the Center.
400
Novel • Fiction
Jackson, Mississippi • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
HL790L
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