My Sister’s Keeper

Jodi Picoult

Anna was conceived in order to save her sister. So far she’s donated blood and marrow… but now she is being told she must give a kidney to save Kate. Anna isn’t comfortable with the idea of having such a horrible operation done to her – but she isn’t being asked for permission.

I found the changing perspectives, especially those into the past, very confusing to start off with. Just as I would get into the rhythm of the character or time, it would change! It did provide valuable insights into each character though. I still couldn’t bring myself to like Sara, but I could understand where she was coming from. The storyline of Campbell and Julia adds an element of romance, but seems a little off centre where other lives are at stake.

Some of the twists that are saved until the last third of the novel you won’t have even seen coming – they’ll hit you out of the blue. Each of the plot points that Picoult introduces has a special part to play, and you absolutely have to pay attention. Don’t worry though, you’ll find yourself unable to put the novel down and it won’t be a challenge

The irony of the ending! Oh, and how simple it all seems. You have to feel sorry for Anna really – she’s battled it out so far, and yet she is so far from a satisfactory conclusion.

I think if I had a particular interest in these kinds of cancer, and more legal knowledge, I would find this novel to be a reread. As it is, I don’t think I will, unless I want something familiar. I would like to get my hands on some more of her novels for sure though, as it was an enjoyable and thought provoking read.

‘My Sister’s Keeper’ is apparently one of the most famous (or at least the most Googled) of Picoult’s novels. Personally, I read ‘The Tenth Circle’ first, because it was in my highschool library. I ended up loving that one so much that it’s a reread for me. Having just had a quick browse of a number of other Picoult novels, I think the next one on my list to read is ‘Sing You Home’.