Helpful Score: 11
Jodi needed a better editor with this book. Her holocaust story was gripping and well done. The modern day story was filled with unnecessary characters that detracted from the main theme. The fable was really silly and unnecessary as well. All in all an interesting read, well researched and written, but not well edited. I believe that when authors become really famous and prolific they start to sacrifice quality for quantity and perhaps their editors have less influence. I think in Jodi's case she fits this bill. She still writes well and tackles interesting subjects, but many of her books seem to have storylines "borrowed" from other books. I truly wish she would slow down and put more effort into each book rather than just churning them out.
Helpful Score: 7
Oh my goodness, did I ever enjoy this book. Jodi Picoult can really tell a story. I read this book until all hours of the night. It is powerful, riveting, sad, but a great great read. Of Course the Holocaust was a very very sad time in our countries history but this story portrayed it especially well. I can't say enough about it. I thought about it for days afterwards and am finding my next book hard to get into to.
Helpful Score: 3
I was really impressed with the way that Jodi Picoult is able to connect stories from World War II/Holocaust with the present day. She explores topics in this novel like justice, faith forgiveness, peer pressure, and family loyalty.
Helpful Score: 3
Jodi Picoult is an extraordinary author who I feel is in a class of her very own. Her thought provoking topics are thoroughly researched - The Storyteller is no exception. I have read many books which incorporate the tragedy of the Holocaust - the details of this horrific period of time are nothing but devastating and disturbing. In my opinion, it will always be difficult to grasp just how inhumane the Jews were treated. On the other hand, it is amazing to read about the strong will of those who endured the wrath of the Germans and the things they did in order to get through each and every unbearable day. This story is not only about the Holocaust but the power of love, forgiveness, friendships and so much more. Amazing book. Very difficult to put down.
Helpful Score: 2
I didn't want to give it a 3 because it was more like a 3.5. I did enjoy it in most parts and it was definitely not boring, but my expectations were higher.
To put it bluntly, I have read better stories about the holocaust that didn't feel like a police investigation show. The elements I enjoyed the most involved the bakery theme; however, I didn't find the use of the Scheherazade background original at all.
I gave it a 4 because I'm a fan of Jodi's otherwise she would have fared less favorably.
The Seventh Well by Fred Wander is a much better story if anybody would like to learn from the mouth/pen of a man who survived 7 concentration camps.
To put it bluntly, I have read better stories about the holocaust that didn't feel like a police investigation show. The elements I enjoyed the most involved the bakery theme; however, I didn't find the use of the Scheherazade background original at all.
I gave it a 4 because I'm a fan of Jodi's otherwise she would have fared less favorably.
The Seventh Well by Fred Wander is a much better story if anybody would like to learn from the mouth/pen of a man who survived 7 concentration camps.
