Guest Book Review: Picture Perfect By Jodi Picoult

When I heard that Yvonne North (wife of author, Anthony North) was reading a book about domestic abuse I thought I must ask her if she would write a book review. I'm delighted to say that she agreed, and submitted the excellent appraisal that follows.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Jodi Picoult, as usual, has written an informative book, this time on the problems of domestic violence.

In Picture Perfect, the main character, Dr Cassandra Barrett teaches anthropology at UCLA. She meets and falls in love with Hollywood movie star Alex Rivers. However, what starts as a good marriage, soon turns to something not idealistic.

BLIND LOVE

This book raises the issue of how much a woman can love a man, and yet be blind to what's happening to her, believing each time when he says he is "sorry", that he won't do it again.

ROLE MODEL

But Jodi shows Alex's side. Brought up by a violent father, he believes the only way to be a man is to be violent to others. This is his only role model. Sadly, although Alex does'nt want to be like this, his emotions will always get the better of him.

MACHO MAN?

But life is never black and white. Women, today, still like the idea of the strong, silent, macho man. But society says the opposite, which in the real world will never happen.

Written by Yvonne North

Photograph: Yvonne

With domestic violence against women so prolific, this book - a novel - may be of more help to those who believe that love must be blind than one with a more academic approach. Thank you Yvonne, for bringing it to our attention.

If you have read a book that you've found uplifting, or something that addresses the social issues of our time, and you'd like to submit a book review, please send it to me for my consideration.