This is the story of Jack St Bride, a former teacher who has recently arrived in Salem Falls after being released from jail for sexually assaulting one of his pupils.

In Salem Falls, hen gets a job working in a diner, and starts a relationship with the owner, Addie Peabody. But as soon as the residents of this small town find out he has served time for sexual assault on a pupil, they all want him gone.

Gillian Duncan is a sixteen-year-old girl who, along with her three best friends, practices Wiccan. On the night of Beltane, the four girls go to a clearing in the wood and commence a ceremony in celebration. Gillian is the group leader, and she already knows she wants Jack St Bride. So, when he stumbles across the girls, and is so drunk he can barely stand, it is no surprise at what follows.

Gillian reports a rape, at the hands of Jack. He can't remember what happened, but he knows he is (once again) innocent, but can't prove it. The story follows the trial as various facts are given and opinions are tested. Through it all, Addie stands by Jack. Their relationship is a joy to read. I won't give away the ending.

People who like having their beliefs tested. Jodi Picoult always writes stories of morals, and asks her readers what they would do in these situations.

The writing. It was so easy to fall inside the story world. I love Ms. Picoult's writing.

There is a deeply hidden sub-plot (which, surfaced just enough to make the reader question whether they were imagining it, or if there really was this other thing going on). I guess it did make sense, it explained some of the reasons for Gillian's behaviour. But I didn't like it.

Read another Picoult.

Angry. Happy. In equal measures.

Jodi Picoult. The Queen of the 'What would you do?' genre. She has written many books, on varying subjects, and they are all fabulous. She takes tough topics and writes some humanity into them, even when you think it is impossible for there to be some.

It's a good read. What more can I say?

If you don't like to read about sexual abuse, don't read this.

Interested in buying this? Support Writing.Com by making your purchase of Salem Falls   from Amazon.Com!

Created Sep 11, 2024 at 5:32am • Submit your own review...