... picked off the shelf in the library specifically because of the author: Jodi Picoult. After recently reading/listening to "Leaving Time", I wanted to see what else I might find by her as she has been prolific. Went to poke around in the stacks to find several others, making the difficult decision to choose only one, as they are all fairly hefty and time consuming to devour. I will certainly be back for more as this one was un-put-down-able. In fact, even though it is a library book, I have passed it along to a friend who reads, and has enjoyed books about the Amish communities in Pennsylvania.
The two main characters are an attorney, Ellie, and a young Amish girl, Katie. Ellie has taken a break from a well-established practice in the city to go to the Lancaster area and visit her aunt, who was raised Amish, but chose to marry an Englisher. The aunt was forced out of the Amish community, but still keeps in touch with her sister, who is Katie's mom. While Ellie thinks she will enjoy a breather from stress of courtroom conflict, she is recruited into representing Katie, who is accused of first degree murder. Katie gave birth in her families' dairy barn, and the infant is found dead.
Katie insists she did not have this baby, that she was not pregnant. The proof is obviously there, and much legal wrangling ensues. An autopsy is done, Medical tests performed, and the lab work indicates the baby was suffocated. Ellie, who thought she was going to enjoy a respite from a high pressure job, ends up moving in with the Amish family as a distant relation, when Katie is released from into her custody.
It is a fascinating story, well researched, with many details of the ways of Plain people. Lots of insight into their lifestyles, helping the reader to get into the mind set of a community that is markedly different from the mainstream thought of the average American citizen. Though they live in the midst of our society, they choose to keep to traditional ways in their business life as well as religious activities. The characters were so real, so complete, so human in their opposing beliefs it was difficult to see the book come to an end. You could get so wrapped up in these individuals, feeling like you are right there with them as they are living this confusing event filled with conflicting ideals, you want to give advice, help them come to a satisfactory resolution.
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