Netflix bought the movie adaptation rights to Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult. I chose to listen to the audiobook narrated by Marin Ireland because we all know the book is better. Relevant, poignant and deeply moving story that takes place during the pandemic. Grab a cup of coffee and check out my thoughts.
by Jodi Picoult
Narrator: Marin Ireland
Length: 11 hours and 47 minutes
Genres: Fiction
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.4x
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author comes a deeply moving novel about the resilience of the human spirit in a moment of crisis.
Diana O’Toole is perfectly on track. She will be married by thirty, done having kids by thirty-five, and move out to the New York City suburbs, all while climbing the professional ladder in the cutthroat art auction world. She’s not engaged just yet, but she knows her boyfriend, Finn, a surgical resident, is about to propose on their romantic getaway to the Galápagos—days before her thirtieth birthday. Right on time.
But then a virus that felt worlds away has appeared in the city, and on the eve of their departure, Finn breaks the news: It’s all hands on deck at the hospital. He has to stay behind. You should still go, he assures her, since it would be a shame for all of their nonrefundable trip to go to waste. And so, reluctantly, she goes.
Almost immediately, Diana’s dream vacation goes awry. The whole island is now under quarantine, and she is stranded until the borders reopen. Completely isolated, she must venture beyond her comfort zone. Slowly, she carves out a connection with a local family when a teenager with a secret opens up to Diana, despite her father’s suspicion of outsiders.
Diana finds herself examining her relationships, her choices, and herself—and wondering if when she goes home, she too will have evolved into someone completely different.
I am not at all sure I could have read let alone listened to a story involving Covid-19 during 2020 and even though we are still dealing with variants I was ready and who better than Jodi Picoult.
The story takes place in the early stages of the outbreak in New York City where we meet Diana O’Toole, an up incomer in the Arts world. She is on the fast-track, hopes to be engaged to Finn, a surgical resident and her live-in boyfriend. In fact, the two will spend a romantic getaway on the Galápagos Islands.
A new virus is turning the hospital into a madhouse and Finn can’t get away, but he encourages Diana to go, anyway. At first she is reluctant to do so, but eventually caves and takes the trip. Only she finds herself trapped there when the world shuts down.
The tale that unfolds was beautiful, thought provoking and full of twists I never saw coming. Cut off from the world without luggage, Wi-Fi or even housing, Diana’s getaway begins as a nightmare and slowly develops into something more. She reevaluates her life plans, her successes, and discovers something more.
Despite all that is happening to Diana, the horrors of Covid and the trauma Finn is facing seem light years away until she is whisked into the heart of it. From her mother to others’ reactions and responses, the story held me riveted. While this story revolves around Covid, it is so much more than that and will be relevant fifty years from now.
I connected with Diana, her feelings and the people she friended on the island. You’ll nod your head as characters re-evaluate their priorities and life goals. It’s a journey of self-discovery and one all of us will connect with at some level.
The story held surprises, was well paced and held me captive without getting into the messy political sides of Covid. Picoult focused on the overall impact and changes we faced individually during this period. I laughed, cried, gasped and rooted for each of the characters. Picoult gave voice to the emotions I felt during the pandemic, making the story a poignant reminder of what I hold dear.
Marin Ireland is a narrator I enjoy listening to. She brings depth and emotion to the characters and her narration only enhances the author’s work. The story translated perfectly to audio and I am sure the movie will be a chart breaker.
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult delivered.a story that shares the emotions we went through during the darkest time of the pandemic. A captivating and deeply moving story of one woman's journey. #audiobook #review Share on XAbout Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult is the author of twenty-six novels, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers Small Great Things, A Spark of Light, Leaving Time, The Storyteller, Lone Wolf, Between the Lines, Sing You Home, House Rules, Handle with Care, Change of Heart, Nineteen Minutes, and My Sister’s Keeper. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children.
Her new novel, THE BOOK OF TWO WAYS, is available in hardcover, ebook, and audio on September 22nd.
About Marin Ireland
Marin Ireland has won a Theatre World Award and been nominated for a Tony Award®, and has been described by The New York Times as “one of the great drama queens of the New York stage.” Outside her stage work, she has worked frequently in film and television, including starring roles in Light from Light, The Irishman, Sneaky Pete, and The Umbrella Academy.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Jewel Hart
The story is set during the pandemics? Ugh. I’d rather forget that time of distress and worry. I don’t want to read any books about that. I have been Watchung a comedy on Prime that is during the pandemic but it is hilarious, It is called “Sprung” It is bout some prisoners who got released early becuase of the pandemic. They are light offenders, like one guy got 26 years for selling weed. It i super funny show. I recommend it
Kimberly
Interesting. I will check it out. I don’t mind the pandemic stories. Another fun one was The Kaiju Preservation Society By John Scalzi.
Tyler H. Jolley
I agree with your sentiment. One of my favorite shows came back after a hiatus and it felt with Covid. I was like, NOPE! But I’m glad I gave it a fair chance. When done right, it really can add depth and realism to the story. Great review, Kimba!
Wendy
I loved this book, and your review is spot on. I didn’t know it was becoming a movie, but I’m not surprised. Amazing review Kimberly!
Kimberly
I am looking forward to watching it. Glad you enjoyed it too.
Debbie Haupt
Fantastic review Kim. I recently read a novel latest in the Kay Scarpetta series that has the pandemic in it and like you I’m not sure I could have read it in the beginning. I was turned off Picoult a long time ago when my hubby was dealing with cancer and I just couldn’t do some of her more shall we say intense endings, but maybe it’s time I give her another try. Thanks
Kimberly
I know exactly how you feel. I was reading a book from a best-selling author when my dad died and I haven’t been able to read her since. Picoult can rip your heart out. Yo need to be in the mood for her books. This felt different from those.
Hena Tayeb
Sounds like a heavy read.. as are most of Ms. Picoult’s books.
Thanks for sharing. I already have it on my TBR.
Lorna
Oooh this sounds so good! I’ve never not liked/loved a book by this author. Of course it only been about 4-5 of them. Thanks for the recommendation!