Picture Perfect (1995 original; edició 2004)

Picoult always writes books that get to me and this one was no different. This one deal with domestic violence. I was in an emotionally abusive marriage for years so could relate to the feelings of inadequacy that you get when being in that kind of relationship. ( )

This is the first book I've read by Jodi Picoult. I was hoping for something different from the typical chic lit/romance genre.

I was left disappointed. It read exactly like many other romance books out there - I can see why other readers have compared it to Danielle Steele. It was basically an overly-long Mills and Boon.

What I will give credit for is the portrayal of domestic violence in the story. Cassie's experience and attitude towards her husband's behaviour seemed very accurate and well written, even to the point where none of the other characters noticed anything was wrong, or didn't speak about it. I also liked Will's character and his development through the story: his was the most well written and interesting of all characters in the story.

Sadly all other characters in the book were too one-dimensional and flat to be convincing, and there were many stereotypes. Cassie, a typical chic-lit protagonist: unnoticeable, introverted, with an"I don't know what he sees in me" attitude, meets Alex, a typical good looking, dominating male. Ophelia was shallow and uninteresting. Other characters I have forgotten, with the exception of the people Cassie meets on the reservation (my favourite bit of the book). Alex's appearance was described to death throughout the book, to the point of irritation. And every single character had an extremely flawed past: every time a character was introduced I grew to expect an explanation of what their troubled history was.

The story was far too long, and would have benefited from some tighter editing. There were also a few writing habits that got a bit tiresome for me. Eyes darkened a lot. Arms were placed firmly by sides a lot. And the worst was how words and thoughts were given form: my thoughts puddled on the floor. His words drifted over me/drifted away/He whispered words up my arm etc. It wasn't good writing. It was enough to put me off reading another book by this author, unless she has grown out of this habit in later novels?

I expected more from this book, but didn't find it to be anything special. ( )

I liked that a movie star could fall in love with an anthropologist whose career is totally different than the movie industry and the way they met. It was easy enough to follow the back to past from present. The ending made it clear why their past experiences were important to what they were currently dealing with. The author made a point to be caring about how both sides have to deal in an abusive relations. Surprised that Cassie could stay away from her husband for such a long time without secretly checking on him. It is so true how what we think of people as "perfect" often hides what is really going on in the lives. ( )

Different from her other books as in there was no court scene-no moments of high drama and no ridiculous surprise ending.
As a victim of domestic violence I felt she portrayed it rather well in the novel. ( )

Relationships and the issues of domestic violence and what keeps women going back the perpetrator. Well written and insightful. ( )