Plain Truth

Jodi Picoult

59 pages 1-hour read

Jodi Picoult

Plain Truth

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000

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Book Brief

Jodi Picoult

Plain Truth

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000
Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction
Setting

Pennsylvania Amish Country • Contemporary

Theme
Truth & Lies

Religion & Spirituality

Guilt
Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

780L

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Super Short Summary

In Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult, eighteen-year-old Amish girl Katie Fisher is charged with the murder of her newborn son. Her distant relative, attorney Ellie Hathaway, defends her while living on the farm under bail conditions, leading her to reconnect with her Amish roots. The book explores Amish culture, the intersection with the legal system, and themes of family, faith, and motherhood. Sensitive topics include infant death and legal proceedings involving family trauma.

Mysterious

Emotional

Contemplative

Challenging

Informative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

195,452 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult masterfully intertwines legal drama and Amish culture, garnering praise for its compelling narrative and well-researched setting. However, some reviewers criticize the novel's pacing and predictable twists. Despite these flaws, Picoult’s deep character development and exploration of complex themes are widely appreciated.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Plain Truth?

Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult appeals to readers interested in legal thrillers and emotionally complex stories. Fans of Picoult's My Sister's Keeper or Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects will appreciate its exploration of family dynamics, moral dilemmas, and secrets within an insular community. Ideal for those who enjoy thought-provoking, character-driven narratives.

4.2

195,452 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

A high-powered Philadelphia defense attorney whose personal and professional journey transforms as she defends an Amish girl accused of a serious crime.

An 18-year-old Amish girl whose accusation of murder serves as the central conflict, struggling between her community's values and a hidden life.

Katie's mother, who embodies the quiet strength of an Amish wife, deeply protective of her children amidst family turmoil.

The patriarch of the Fisher family, representing the rigidity of Old Order Amish faith and grappling with maintaining his family's standing.

Katie's loyal suitor who represents the traditional Amish path and whose love for Katie is tested through the novel's events.

Katie's excommunicated brother, bridging the gap between the Amish and "English" worlds, whose choices impact Katie's journey.

A psychiatrist involved in Katie's case and Ellie’s former college boyfriend, offering insights into trauma and memory.

Detective-Sergeant whose investigation into the infant's death prompts the legal challenges that Ellie faces in the case.

Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction
Setting

Pennsylvania Amish Country • Contemporary

Theme
Truth & Lies

Religion & Spirituality

Guilt
Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

780L

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