Harvesting the Heart

A Novel

By: Jodi Picoult

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 17 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Jodi Picoult earned rave notices for her debut novel Songs of the Humpback Whale. Now this gifted young writer turns her considerable literary talents to the story of a young woman overcome by the demands of having a family.

Written with astonishing clarity and evocative detail, convincing in its depiction of emotional pain, love, and vulnerability, Harvesting the Heart recalls the writing of Alice Hoffman and Sue Miller. Paige has only a few vivid memories of her mother, who left when she was five. Now, having left her father behind in Chicago for dreams of art school and marriage to an ambitious young doctor, she finds herself with a child of her own.

But her mother's absence, and shameful memories of her past, make her doubt both her maternal ability and her sense of self worth. Out of Paige's struggle to find wholeness, Jodi Picoult crafts an absorbing novel peopled by richly drawn characters and explores issues and emotions readers can relate to.

©1995 Jodi Picoult (P)2008 Penguin

Critic reviews

"Picoult writes with a fine touch, a sharp eye for detail, and a firm grasp of the delicacy and complexity of human relationships." (The Boston Globe)

"Picoult has become a master - almost a clairvoyant - at targeting hot issues and writing highly readable page-turners about them.... It is impossible not to be held spellbound by the way she forces us to think, hard, about right and wrong." (The Washington Post)

Dated

3.5 STARS

Jodi Picoult fans will be able to tell HARVESTING THE HEART is one of her earlier books. The story lacks the depth and tension of her later books. None of the characters are that empathetic, even Paige, whose mom abandoned her at age five. I did feel sorry for her father, who may not have been the perfect single parent, but he loved her and seemed to do his best after his wife and Paige’s mother left.

HARVESTING THR HEART is a story about estrangements within families, family members never talking about issues or feelings, never to reconcile. I didn’t understand why Paige’s father never tried to see her or meet her son, why in the eight years Nicolas was estranged from his parents, why they never called.

Nicolas grabs Paige frequently, which is never addressed. He says unkind things to her after she returns from running off for three months. I think if Jodi Picoult were to write this book today, she’d have left those parts out.

I enjoyed listening on Audible more than reading the book.

Ok not her best.

The narration was ok
other than misreading a few words. Narrator needs to do more homework.

Mother’s and Daughter’s

If you have a beautiful version of yourself (a daughter) running around after you or beside you this is a great book for you. Jodi I want you to know I was yelling in the car while I listened to the book. Page and I have so much in common and you nailed the feelings of giving birth and being married perfectly!!

Learning new topics

Each time I listen to a Jodie Picoult book, I loo forward to learning some new. Her topics are very well researched. I like details in a story. I like all of her books. However I don’t think this was her best. But worth listening to.

Performed well

The story was my least favorite Jodi Picoult book I’ve read so far, but it was performed very well

Narration was flat

I found the storyline interesting, but could not develop any affection toward any of the characters. i enjoyed the Irish dad, but he a minor character. I think the very flat tone of the narrator affected the story for me as well. I forced myself to finish the book.

Heart to Heart

It was wonderful story, I wanted to listen to it all time. Love this author. I recommend this book. Thank you Jodi.

At times, too close for comfort

Isn't that a sign of great art? So closely it resembles my own pin and frustration that I had to step away for a bit to breathe. Thank you so much for this lovely novel. I will not let myself disappear either

Great

Loved it...it was very enjoyable!!.....ready for the next book. And now ready for some suspense.

left hanging

I am tired and frustrstef of listening to books that do not wrap everything up.