Book review: Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult

Aini's review:
first published in Goodreads on 8 February 2012

3 out of 5 stars

Mariah White, the mother of Faith was institutionalized in mental hospital because she tried to kill herself after finding her ex-husband slept with another woman. Faith, a daughter who wasn't raised to be in any religion suddenly become a miracle healer and Millie, her grandmother, who woke from the dead. Ian Fletcher, the cynic whom doesn't believe a second on Faith's ability on reviving the ill, and a staunch atheist with PhD from Harvard and as handsome as sin always disappear on Tuesday's mornings. Interesting start. Being a concerned daughter, Mariah decided to seek professionals' help including preist and rabbi.

Halfway through, Colin, the father decided to engage in court battle to gain custody of their child, Faith which then in turn, Mariah made the decision to run away with Faith, but stumbled into Ian. Unexpected events occur to question beliefs especially when Faith related God as a 'she'

Picoult is wonderful in this one especially she tried her best to be apolitical, even though atheism & religions are discussed in this, in doesn't poke on the stand that "You shouldn't be an atheist" or "You shouldn't be a Christian". The author just let it be. As a whole package, Picoult had done a wonderful narrating Munchausen by Proxy (MSP) where parents who wanted to inflict pains in themselves but then their thoughts jumbled with their children causing the children having pains instead. New knowledge!

Plus points:
1. Court scene was excellent
2. Potrayal of Mariah of having insecurities on herself being a mother (I'm not alone :))

Minus: (but can easily overlooked into)
1. Suddenly, Ian doesn't propagat atheism as much, but I was wondering how convincing he can be when he's falling in love with Mariah or the scenes where he met Mariah, doesn't anyone realise it?
2. No further explanation on Faith's ability as miracle worker which is unlike Change of Heart

Still, a good book to read

Aida's review:
first published in Goodreads on 20 February 2012

2 out of 5 stars

I feel like dragging my feet while reading this novel. I just want the author to quicken her writing phase that I even read 2 other books while I was halfway with this one.

I enjoyed 'Change of Heart' better than this one. This novel does not even bother to explain Faith's vision, and I am still confused whether I should believe Faith or not.

Even though the court scene is brilliant, I find Jodi Picoult's writing style for this book is exhaustive and repetitive.