It could be argued that a book is successful when it pulls the reader out of his or her own life, and into someone else’s. Still, it is then another level of success if a book manages to encase the reader in the confusion and emotions swirling through the lives of multiple characters. In her novel “The Pact,” Jodi Picoult fully accomplishes these goals of engagement and emotion as she captures the readers and doesn’t let them go, even after the last page has been turned.
“The Pact” begins with the story of two families whose lives are undeniably intertwined by friendship, understanding and time. Melanie Gold and Augusta (Gus) Harte started their friendship when Gus and her husband James moved in next door to Melanie. The women bonded despite their vastly different personalities, especially after learning they were both pregnant. Gus’ son Chris was born mere months before Melanie gave birth to her daughter Emily, and so it began that Chris and Emily were inseparable. The two children grew up side by side through laughter, tears, fights and adventures.
Fast-forward through the years to when Chris and Emily are seniors in high school, still inseparable and very much in love. They’ve been dating since age 13, as their parents predicted they eventually would, and their bond is strong with years of devotion. Then comes the night that changes everything; their parents are awakened from sleep by the shrill ring of the telephone and voices direct them to the hospital for their children. Chris is alive, drifting in and out of consciousness with a nasty laceration on his head. Emily is dead—a gunshot to the head.
Devastation is severe as everyone learns of the manner in which Emily passed, especially when Chris reveals that he and Emily had a suicide pact. He explains that the deal was for her to go first and he would follow, but he never got the chance. Chris is sent to the hospital’s psych ward while Emily is buried.
However, when one person dies and the only witness is still alive, the problem doesn’t just disappear. Before Chris is even cleared from the hospital, police detectives are asking him questions about that night and the words ‘second-degree murder’ are floating around, waiting for something to stick to.
Evidence is revealed which could rival the story of suicide and when the police department launches a murder investigation, Chris becomes the prime suspect in the case of his own girlfriend’s death.
Picoult has a talent for placing the reader directly into the shoes of her characters. She tells her stories from multiple points of view, allowing for various secrets and opinions to be unearthed and presented. From these different persepectives, the reader can judge the story on his or her own, feeling as if they truly have all the facts. The reader understands Chris’ crushing despair and never- ending love for Emily and at the same time, feels the deep hurt, pain and betrayal of the Golds’ as they bury their only daughter while Chris is still alive.
Picoult also allows for the history between the families to be presented as she weaves small stories and memories from childhood years into the reigning story of Chris’ possible murder trial.
This story may sound like a barrel of depression and heaviness because it is, after all, centered in the circumstances of a young girl’s death. However, it is more importantly a story of the confusion of emotion, devotion, trust and the lengths to which we would go to save the ones we are closest to; it is a story of love in the deepest sense of the word.
