logo

65 pages 2 hours read

Mercy

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Jodi Picoult

Mercy

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Massachusetts • 1990s

Topic
Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

910L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Jodi Picoult’s Mercy, police chief Cameron MacDonald arrests his cousin Jamie for killing his wife, Maggie, terminally ill with cancer, at her request. The story follows the complex trial and its impact on their relationships, particularly highlighting the themes of power dynamics in romance, the burden of familial duty, and the interplay between mercy and the law. This book contains mentions and descriptions of euthanasia.

Emotional

Romantic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.8

67,212 ratings

57%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Jodi Picoult's Mercy delves into complex themes of love, morality, and loyalty. Many readers praise its emotional depth and thought-provoking narrative. Characters are well-developed, though some find the plot slow at times and the ethical dilemmas presented divisive. Overall, it remains a compelling read, sparking much discussion.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Mercy?

A reader who would enjoy Mercy by Jodi Picoult appreciates intricate moral dilemmas and layered character development. Fans of Picoult's previous works, like My Sister's Keeper, or those who enjoyed Defending Jacob by William Landay, will find this book compelling. Ideal for readers intrigued by ethical complexities in personal relationships.

3.8

67,212 ratings

57%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Massachusetts • 1990s

Topic
Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

910L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.