A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult has garnered praise for its timely and bold exploration of reproductive rights, featuring complex characters and multiple perspectives. However, some readers have found the reverse chronological storytelling a bit confusing. While many appreciate the emotional depth and intricate narrative, others feel it can be overly didactic at times.

Readers who appreciate Jodi Picoult's signature blend of emotional depth and provocative ethical dilemmas would enjoy A Spark of Light. Fans of books like The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Small Great Things by Picoult herself, which tackle timely social justice issues through multiple perspectives, will find this novel compelling and thought-provoking.

Published in 2019, Jodi Picoult’s novel A Spark of Light tells the story of a gunman’s attack on an abortion clinic from multiple points of view, examining the lives of different characters and the events that lead them to the clinic on that day. Sensitive issues such as abortion, sexual assault, gun violence, death, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide, and addiction are discussed in the book.

Emotional / Contemplative / Suspenseful / Challenging / Heartwarming

- A Spark of Light is unique for its narrative structure, as it is written in reverse chronological order, which provides a different perspective on the unfolding events.
- In a Q&A with The New York Times, Jodi Picoult mentioned that one of her inspirations for writing A Spark of Light was the increasing restrictions on reproductive rights in the US.
- The book explores various viewpoints through its multi-character approach, featuring voices from different sides of a highly contentious social issue.

**George Goddard**  
George is the main antagonist, a single father whose actions are driven by his desire to protect his teenage daughter, Lil.

**Elizabeth/Lil/Beth Goddard**  
Elizabeth, also known as Lil or Beth, is George's 17-year-old daughter who struggles with her father's overprotective nature while seeking her independence.

**Hugh McElroy**  
Hugh is a police hostage negotiator and single father devoted to raising his daughter, Wren, with love and stability.

**Wren McElroy**  
Wren is Hugh's 15-year-old daughter, who faces the challenges of growing up amidst a traumatic event.

**Bex McElroy**  
Bex is a nurturing figure in the McElroy family, an artist who raised Hugh and supports Wren as both family and a confidante.

**Dr. Louie Ward**  
Louie is an OB-GYN at the Center, guided by his Christian faith to provide compassionate care, particularly in reproductive health.

**Olive Lemay**  
Olive is a retired professor facing a personal crisis who becomes a supportive presence in the midst of chaos.

**Joy Perry**  
Joy is a waitress and student grappling with loneliness and difficult decisions regarding her future.

**Janine Deguerre**  
Janine is a young activist who infiltrates the Center, driven by her beliefs and personal past experiences.

**Izzy**  
Izzy is an emergency room nurse who faces significant personal decisions while caught in unexpected circumstances at the Center.

Jodi Picoult

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A Spark of Light Summary

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A Spark of Light Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

A Spark of Light Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

A Spark of Light Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

A Spark of Light Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 10-Epilogue

A Spark of Light Chapter 10-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

A Spark of Light Character Analysis

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Themes

A Spark of Light Themes

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A Spark of Light Symbols & Motifs

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A Spark of Light

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