I've had this book on my shelf for a while and I was really looking forward to reading it. After enjoying The Tenth Circle so much I really wanted to get my teeth into this one. The blurb on the back sounded too intriguing to resist. But I was a little disappointed I have to admit. But that doesn't mean it was bad... I just didn't think it was as good as the others I've read..
The story follows the lives of four characters; Delia, Eric, Fitz, Andrew and Elsie. Delia and her father Andrew have lived in the state of New Hampshire ever since Delia was 4 (I think, or there abouts) and has only ever been the two of them since Delia's mother Elise, died in a car crash. She grew up with the lads next door on both sides, Fritz and Eric, and the three of them have a seemingly endless friendship and closeness. Eric and Delia are engaged and have a daughter, Sophie. However, one evening Delia discovers that the mother she thought was dead is not actually dead at all, but instead living a live in Arizona. As it turns out her father kidnapped her, changed their names and lived a life of lies. Andrew is hauled off to trial in Arizona and Delia coerces her Fiance Eric, into acting as his lawyer because she trusts him and he knows them both. Fritz also tags along because the paper he works for wants in to write regular and in depth articles on the proceedings.
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Eric's mother was an alcoholic, as is Eric... as, it turns out, was/is Delia's mother - hence the reason we are led to believe Andrew spirited Delia (real name Bethany) away from the incapable care of her mother. However, during the trial when the prosecution goads Andrew into a rage of fury, he suddenly and shockingly reveals that the reason he took Delia away from her mother was because her then boyfriend, who is now her husband, was sexually abusing Delia. Knowing back then that the courts would never believe him without proof or grant him full custody, especially with a prior conviction however minor, he takes her away to begin a new life.
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So it sounds like a pretty good story huh? And it should be. But it just wasn't for me and I can't put my finger on why. When Picoult writes she throws up these really interesting questions that you have to stop and consider, and ask yourself. But in this case I just felt like she was asking questions for questions sake - they were relevant... but they were questions that you knew the answers too, or that were too easy to answer. There's this whole native Indian/Hopi sub-plot going on too and I couldn't figure out why it was relevant the main story or what it was supposed to help highlight and bring to the fore. I suppose it was something to do with knowing who you are rather that what you were or something like that but I know I didn't completely get it.
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With regards the whole Eric/Delia/Fritz triangle this is also complicated. They both love Delia and she loves them - all in different ways, but still love none-the-less. The reason Delia and Eric have not married yet is because Eric is still dealing with his drink demons. Delia sleeps with Fritz during the story and they discover they should be together. Eric is okay with this... but then he knows somehow that him and Delia will get back together. The idea being that all three of them are interchangeable. So basically it's a giant witches cauldron full of love, toil, trouble, betrayal and trust. Simply add a pinch of understanding, and stir...
