01 February 2022

Reaching for a Jodi Picoult book you are always guaranteed a read that oozes emotion and WISH YOU WERE HERE is no different. This book looks at the effect COVID has had on our lives, on loss and suffering and being stuck in lockdown. I would not have been able to read this book last year, but as COVID has become a part of life, this book allows some reflection.

Jodi Picoult is an author I know will leave always leave a lump in my throat. I do not often reach for her books, because I know she will leave me sad. Wish You Were Here oozes emotion. The author tells the story of one woman’s experience with lockdown and COVID but highlights the experiences we all had. This is a stunning work of fiction that allows us to live through the disaster from someone else’s perspective.

Diana O’Toole has a plan for her life, and she is perfectly on track to meet all her goals. Until a virus breaks out in New York and her boyfriend (hopefully soon to be fiancé) announces that he will not be able to join her on their planned vacation to Galápagos. Finn insists that Diana take the trip on her own, and with a heavy heart she agrees. However, as soon as she arrives on the island of Isabel lockdown restrictions are put in place and she finds herself stranded with no way of returning home.

Alone and not able to speak the local language, Diana befriends a local family who offers her shelter and keeps her fed. The teenage daughter befriends her and opens up about things worrying her, despite her father not being fond of strangers. Diana finds herself trying to help this young girl and soon starts questioning her choices in life. Is her life plan what she wants? Will she ever find her way back to New York, and will she be the same person who left?

This book left me remembering the uncertainty of those early days of lockdown. Reminiscing how we were convinced a two-week lockdown would solve the problem. At the same time, I was reminded of everyone who lost loved ones and the medical staff who put themselves at risk for their patients. This book so beautifully highlights how much we take for granted as we race through our lives, never taking a moment to smell the roses.

The author once again created wonderfully realistic characters that were easy to bond with. Sharing their emotions in a way you can relate to. If asked I would have said I could not possibly read a book about the pandemic and the effects it has had on all of us. However, this book proved me wrong. I could not read this book fast enough and I found myself annoyed whenever I was dragged away from it. Diana O’Toole crawls into your heart as you experience the uncertainty she endures. While the character leaves you wondering how the pandemic has left your own life changed. Finn reminded me of the dedicated medical staff who are still on the front lines taking risks to keep us safe.

This book is an emotional read that will leave you looking back on the last few years as you remember all those who have lost loved ones. I loved every second I spent reading this book and walked away with a deeper appreciation for doctors and nurses.

I am left thankful that my family survived this far without anyone lost and relieved that we have all been vaccinated. We took this pandemic seriously maintain social distancing and still do all we can to ensure safe living.

If you are a Jodi Picoult fan you will find this book to be an emotional look at the changes COVID brought to our lives. You do not want to miss this one. It is a fantastic read you won’t want to put down.