Book Review: Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
The moment I saw Jodi Picoult’s name on the cover of Wish You Were Here, my heart raced with anticipation. Picoult has a way of weaving deeply emotional narratives that resonate with our experiences, and I was eager to see how she tackled the complexities of life amidst a pandemic. Little did I know, this novel would take my breath away, leaving me terrified, shaken, and overwhelmed by a storm of emotions all at once.
At the center of this story is Diane O’Toole, a poised associate at Sotheby’s who appears to have her life neatly mapped out—complete with a surgical resident boyfriend, Finn, and plans for a romantic trip to the Galapagos. However, as we all know too well, life has its own plans. Just when Diane feels ready to embrace her future—ring discovered, birthday approaching—Finn’s world is turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic, and so, too, is Diane’s. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she reluctantly agrees to go on the trip alone, inadvertently leading her into a whirlwind of chaos that brings everything she thought she knew into question.
Picoult masterfully explores the "Sliding Doors" theme throughout the narrative. Readers are invited to ponder the intricate choices we make and the potential alternate lives that could unfold from different decisions. Diane’s experiences on the island—struggling with lost luggage, quarantine measures, and a mysterious man—are heart-wrenching yet oddly captivating. I often found myself reflecting on how we adapt to the new normal and the resilience required to persevere when chaos reigns.
The emotional depth in Picoult’s writing is remarkable. I was particularly struck by her ability to paint vivid images of the Galapagos, juxtaposed with the stark realities of COVID-19. Finn’s emails bring a raw, honest depiction of the struggles medical professionals faced, serving as a poignant reminder of the heroism shown during those uncertain times. One moment in the book had me gasping aloud—halfway through, I dropped my e-reader and exclaimed, “What the hell!” The plot twists are both shocking and satisfying, leaving me eager to turn the pages yet reluctant for it to end.
One of my favorite aspects of Wish You Were Here is how it addresses personal growth through the lens of forgiveness. Diane’s journey to reconcile her feelings toward her mother adds a rich layer to the story, illustrating that true liberation often lies in letting go. The references to Dante and Darwin lend an intellectual depth that I found intriguing, showing how well-researched and layered Picoult’s storytelling is.
I wholeheartedly recommend Wish You Were Here to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking fiction that melds personal journeys with broader societal issues. It’s a book I believe will resonate differently at various stages of life, inviting readers to reflect on their own paths and decisions. This novel left a lingering impact on me—a reminder of the delicate balance between planning for the future and embracing life’s unpredictability.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine Books for providing me with a digital review copy. This experience only deepened my affection for Picoult’s work, showcasing yet again why she remains an unmatched voice in contemporary literature.