Book Review: Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
When I first picked up Wish You Were Here, I was drawn in not only by the promise of a captivating story from Jodi Picoult, a favorite of mine for tackling complex social issues, but also by the backdrop of the Galápagos Islands—a place I dream of visiting. Little did I know that this novel would take me on a profound journey through love, loss, and shocking self-discovery, all set against the tumultuous backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wish You Were Here follows Diana O’Toole, a meticulously planned woman on the brink of turning thirty, who believes her life is right on track. She’s about to embark on a romantic getaway to the Galápagos with her boyfriend, Finn, who is a surgical resident facing unprecedented challenges. Just as Diana’s world appears to align perfectly, the chaos of the pandemic erupts—forcing her into isolation and self-reflection.
Picoult masterfully balances the urgency of the pandemic narrative with Diana’s personal evolution. As a reader, I found myself fully immersed in her shifting realities. The way the author contrasts Diana’s calm island adventures against the grim realities of Finn’s experiences at the hospital was both striking and poignant. It shed light on the duality of human experience during crises—one moment, I was with Diana as she hiked through beautiful landscapes, while in the next chapter, I was starkly reminded of the harsh reality of a world grappling with a pandemic.
What truly shines in this book is Picoult’s writing style. Descriptive and evocative, it transports you right into the heart of the scenery. “The island felt like a world apart,” Diana reflects during her time there, a sentiment that resonated with me deeply. This prose seemed to bubble with life, allowing you to almost feel the ocean breeze and warmth of the sun on your skin. However, the pacing occasionally felt rushed, particularly during pivotal moments that could have used a bit more air to breathe.
The twist—oh, the twist! I won’t spoil it, but suffice it to say that it altered my entire understanding of Diana’s journey. It added layers to her character and forced me as a reader to confront my perceptions of reality and resilience. Many reviewers echoed this realization, underscoring how the narrative pushed them to reflect on their lives and the plans we so often cling to.
What struck me the most was how Wish You Were Here serves as a reflection of our current reality, especially given the lingering effects of the pandemic on our lives. It poses essential questions about what it means to evolve amidst chaos—a theme that feels especially relevant now. As one reviewer poignantly noted, “Covid changed the way we live and behave as humans,” and this novel encapsulates that shift beautifully.
This book is for anyone weary of the “normal” narratives we often see in contemporary fiction—it’s thoughtful, introspective, and, above all, a powerful reminder of the fragility of plans. If you enjoy character-driven stories that provoke meaningful reflection, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into this engaging tale. As for me, Wish You Were Here will linger in my thoughts long after the last page—a testament to Jodi Picoult’s storytelling ability, leaving me both hopeful and reflective in equal measure.