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Content snapshot
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Violence
Some
A murder is central to the backstory; some prison violence; no graphic depictions
Language
Some
Some profanity in adult dialogue
Sexual Content
Barely any
Minimal sexual content
Substance Use
Some
Moderate; prison environment and some character backstory involve alcohol and drugs
Emotional Intensity
A lot
Heavy psychological content around grief, forgiveness, capital punishment, and the weight of an impossible choice
What this book is about
Shay Bourne, a convicted killer on death row, wants to donate his heart to the daughter of his victims before he is executed — the same daughter whose father and stepsister he murdered. Jodi Picoult's novel explores capital punishment, the nature of miracles, and impossible forgiveness, weaving together the perspectives of the murderer, the victim's mother, a priest, and a civil liberties attorney. Heavy themes of grief, justice, and faith throughout.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Death row and capital punishment themes throughout
Grief over murdered family members is the emotional center
Theological and philosophical questions around miracles and justice
Reader Verification
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