Book Review For Change of Heart

After reading Janet Maslin's review on Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult, I find that her views on the book were ones that I had not thought of while reading the book. For example, Janet Maslin writes "at this late stage in her story Ms. Picoult has her own chance for redemption. Had “Change of Heart” culminated in revelations that were truly plausible or unexpected, its vapidity might have been transcended. But there is no substance to the story’s last surprises." Maslin mentioning that there was no substance added to the ending is something I don't really agree with. However, I can see the point she is trying to make though because the ending did seem predictable, yet I still found that there was meaning behind. I guess it was one of those endings to novels where it is left up to interpretation of the reader in order to see if the ending has a purpose or not. Maslin also mentioned that “Change of Heart is narrated by several characters, each with a different way of elbowing the reader’s ribs." I agree with Maslin's statement because I do feel that Jodi Picoult's way of trying to have different narrators for every chapter really does insight the reader to view different prespectives of the characters. I think that the blending of the different character traits that Picoult added to her novel demonstrates how well many people will be able to enjoy the book. In this review, Janet also mentioned how Claire's mother, June, was a very bland character that basically can be described an angry and depressed person. I agree with Maslin on this interpretation. However when she mentions that June is "lacking any distinguishing characteristics," this is where my opinion of June differs because I think that while June lacks any other characteristics besides being upset and angry, I feel that there is a reason why Picoult wanted June to be this type of character. June being this lifeless personality brings the message to the reader how agonizing this decision of taking Shane's heart is, and how empty and alone she feels, since she now has noone to turn to for answers.

Overall, I feel that Janet Maslin provided an accuarate snyopsis and analyis of this novel. While some of our opinions differ, I find that overall I agree with the preception of the novel that Maslin provided.