Wish You Were Here

Diana O’Tool and her boyfriend Finn are preparing for a romantic getaway to the Galapagos Islands. Diana has been working hard claiming the ranks in the cutthroat art auction world. Finn is a surgical resident whose future is promising. The night before they are set to leave on their dream trip where Diana, Finn tells Diana to go without him. There go her dreams of a proposal on their getaway. Finn just can’t leave, there is a virus out there and everyone is needed at the hospital. So, Diana goes, she doesn’t turn back when she is told that the island is quarantined for two weeks. She can’t stay at the hotel they book but finds a room with a woman and quickly makes friends. While there she begins to question her choices, her life, and her relationships.

This book is set during the beginning of the pandemic and shows what doctors were up against. The character Finn writes to Dianna and tells her about the struggles and how hospitals are doing the best they can with what they know and how the treatment protocol changed constantly.

When I came to a certain section of the book I was stunned. Put it in the I did not see that coming camp. This book will hit close to home for many. Writing about something that we are all still experiencing was courageous. Some may find it difficult to read this book while others will devour it.

Jodi Picoult is a reliable and prolific writer. One can count on her to deliver and add the personal touch. She doesn’t shy away from tough subjects and did her research in writing this book. She captured the uncertainty, the disbelief, and the shock of the beginning of the pandemic.

This is a great book for book clubs as there is a lot to discuss in this book. Not sure what I think of the ending but overall found this to be enjoyable and a worthwhile read.

Thank you to Random House Publishing group – Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.