Advantages: Fascinating subject, great ethical debate, Ellie Disadvantages: Other characters aren't so great, scrappy in places
of insanity - temporary or otherwise - doesn't seem to fit.
As always, Picoult explores every side of the argument and raises lots of interesting ethical questions. Unfortunately, Plain Truth is a bit 'scrappy' in places and the ending didn't seem to fit. There are, as always, several twists, but these weren't always executed as expertly as Picoult manages in some of her other novels. Don't get me wrong: Plain Truth is a good book and a joy to read - it just doesn't represent Picoult's best work.
The characters are very flawed and very human; Katie is especially frustrating at times and Ellie's attitude grates on you after a while. Sarah, Katie's mother, seems almost inhuman in her submission to her husband and her apparent lack of concern and sympathy for Katie. She even misses Katie's trial at her husband's insistence. Even within ...
Advantages: Superb look at life from another perspective. Disadvantages: Perhaps a little weak at the end
, and the sameness of these simple people who are known as 'Plain' makes sense, given the fact that it is not the individual that counts but the combination of individuals that make the society what it is, gives it its' strengths and perhaps through this story, its weaknesses too. I realise that this is fiction, though it is exceptionally well thought out fiction that would appeal to a wide spectrum of readers. In carrying out the exercises at the end of the book, I felt that my understanding of the differences between Amish 'right' and American 'right' was wide, and it wasn't until you understood the make up of the complex characters that make the story, that you are able to appreciate the complexity of the issues posed.
Described on the cover as a drama, I felt that the book deserved a better description, and to me it was more of an awakening than ...
Advantages: Enjoyable read, insight into the Amish life Disadvantages: None that I found
Katie, to get her to open up and tell her the truth to allow Ellie to represent her properly in court. As time goes by the two of them build an unlikely friendship and find they have more in common than they first thought.
A figure from the past comes back into Ellie's life and makes her consider her future and also reflect on her decisions from the past. How will living the Amish way of life affect Ellie's decisions for her future? Is Katie guilty? As the front of the book suggests "Does a different way of life mean a different right and wrong?"
Why I liked this book.
Firstly I was interested in the Amish story, although not having any direct experience of Amish people my parents went on holiday to Canada and came across Mennonite people who live in the same way as the Amish. They shun the modern ways ...
