Songs of the Humpback Whale by Jodi Picoult

I have to admit, I never really had much interest in Jodi Picoult's first book, Songs of the Humpback Whale. Imagine my surprise when I found myself deeply immersed in this novel. I have to say that this must be on of her most overlooked novels.

Her debut novel stands above many of her others (ex: Salem Falls). In typical Picoult fashion this novel is told in different voices and points of views, rather than one narrative. It does cause the story to be retold but it is from the characters point of view which adds to the story itself.

You don't get the "twist" in this novel as you do in her others (ex: The Pact, My Sisters Keeper and Nineteen Minutes) but you do get a journey in love.

Synopsis:

Jodi Picoult's powerful novel portrays an emotionally charged marriage that changes course in one explosive moment....For years, Jane Jones has lived in the shadow of her husband, renowned San Diego oceanographer Oliver Jones. But during an escalating argument, Jane turns on him with an alarming volitility. In anger and fear, Jane leaves with their teenage daughter, Rebecca, for a cross-country odyssey charted by letters from her brother Joley, guiding them to his Massachusetts apple farm, where surprising self-discoveries await. Now Oliver, an expert at tracking humpback wales across vast oceans, will search for his wife across a continent—and find a new way to see the world, his family, and himself: through her eyes.



Grade: B