Mercy by Jodi Picoult

REVIEWED BY SHELLEY OBOLER

What lengths would you go to, for someone you love? Is there a limit? “Would you lie? Would you leave? Or would you kill?” These are just some of the issues facing the characters in Mercy, which form a web around two cousins who are on different paths, driven to different lengths by the great force of love.
Police chief, of the small Massachusetts town of Wheelock, Cameron McDonald is a tough and hardworking officer. He is also a descendant of his Scottish Clan, and not only has a duty but an honour to the people of his town. Allie, his devoted wife owns a florist shop opposite the Police Station. To Allie, each flower has a different meaning. She is very passionate with the flower arrangements she makes, and puts much care and effort into each one. Mia is a new assistant working for Allie at the florist shop.
When Cam’s cousin, Jamie shows up at the police station with his wife’s lifeless body, Jamie says to cam “My wife here, Maggie, is dead and I’m the one who killed her!” As hard as it was, Cameron immediately handcuffed and arrested him! The situation is very confusing to Cam’s wife, Allie, as Jamie paints a picture of a man who is still madly in love with his wife; who would grant her every wish, even if it meant ending her life.
Jaime is forced to stand trial, and a court case comes into play. It was a lengthy trial with many twists and turns along the way. Allie was assisting Jaime, by going to his friends and neighbours to collect information and evidence that could help him win his case.
Cam was drawn to Mia, and while Allie was away collecting evidence, Cam became more and more infatuated with Mia. They spent a lot of time together and there wasn’t even a thought of how he had betrayed his own wife.
Laced tightly with love and passion and a fast moving story, this book explores some of today’s moral and ethical issues as it leads you onto the verdict of… “When you love someone, where do you cross the line of moral obligation? And how can you commonly define love and devotion to begin with?”
“Mercy” is a great title for this book! It makes me feel like someone is asking for compassion. There is mystery and intrigue and it makes you wonder what the story is about even before you open the cover of the book.
“Mercy” is a very enjoyable story to read. It is truly a page turner and by the end, you’re still thinking about this incredible novel, as well as judging your own personal beliefs about love and compassion! Jodi Picoult’s characters are credible, as she has brought them all to life and given them their own identity. It is rich in detail, making me feel part of the story at times. It made me think about assisted suicide/euthanasia, and the fine line that there is between mercy killing and just killing. It made me think about the dynamics of family and how different we all are, and the different ways we deal and react to different situations and circumstances.
Just a thought: Things are not always what they seem to be.