By Kaila T.
Jodi Picoult is a true storyteller in the book The Pact. The Harte’s and the Gold’s are two families that live next store and grow together through their children. For eighteen years their children have been inseparable, almost as if they were brother and sister. Chris Harte and Emily Gold shared everything and knew each detail about each other. Without hesitation they’d choose one another. As childhood friends to teenage lovers their connection and bond was unbreakable. When one felt pain the other seemed as if they could feel it too, people envied for a relationship like theirs. Chris and Emily’s parents were rooting for them to date since day one, they never though their relationship would come to an end.
Chris and Emily shared love for each other that most adults haven’t even found. Their relationship wasn’t always easy, keeping struggles hidden they found themselves confused often. While growing up Chris was falling more in love with Emily each day, he never doubted them being together forever. Emily on the other hand questioned if their relationship was almost like incest, they did grow up together almost like brother and sister. Emily’s concerns made things hard on the two of them, forcing them to face challenges they never dreamt of. In a matter of seconds and one phone call the bond between the Gold’s and the Harte’s was shattered and unrepairable. As the families struggle to find closure you become aware of the couples demons and struggles they had faced. Both families never knew the relationship they were always rooting for would eventually destroy one another. Chris and Emily were so in love that they would do anything to make the other happy, even if it resulted in death.
Jodi Picoult did an amazing job letting the reader get to know each character. As she describes their behaviors and life challenges you feel as if you’re emotionally involved. I found myself unable to pick sides throughout the book because I created such a fiction bond with these characters. Jodi Picoult builds characters with such talent that you feel as if you actually know Chris Harte and Emily Gold. The book is set up by skipping back and forth between present and past. I really enjoyed the layout because I never wanted to stop turning the page and quit reading.
The book is so overwhelming with feelings and emotions you’ll find yourself vulnerable by the end. I liked how you could never predict the outcome until the last few pages; it never gets boring so you won’t want to put the book down! I really found no flaws while reading, it was an outstanding book. Around 500 pages I read it in a little over 24 hours, and was forced to put it down time to time. The character progression was my favorite thing about the book and the detailed pages.
I am very familiar with Jodi Picoults work. I’ve read a few books of hers and my top two are 19 Minutes and now The Pact. These two books are captivating and heartwarming but also full of suspense. The Pact was an awesome read and I recommend it to all! This book makes you second guess how much you really know your children, and what may be really going on.
The Pact, by Jodi Picoult, William Morrow Co. 1998, Quill 1999, 512 pages. You can find this book at Nashua High School South Library, Nashua Public Library, and Local Book Stores.
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