This is the second Covid-era novel I've started, and the first I've finished. I think it's a little soon ¯\_(ツ)_/¯, but that doesn't mean I wasn't fully engrossed in the story. There is a lot I can't address without spoiling the novel, but let's just say there is some coronarealness.

We meet protagonist Diana O'Toole when she's living her best life. She's on track with her personal and professional goals when the virus begins to shut things down. She gets out of NYC before the pandemic fully hits, leaving her surgeon boyfriend, Finn, behind before either of them can fathom what life will be like for him, working nonstop against devastating odds.

[Healthcare workers] don't give a fuck about the Empire State Building [lit up red and white this week for healthcare workers], or about people banging pots and pans at 7 P.M. Most of us won't ever see or hear it, because we're in the hospital trying to save people who can't be saved. What we want is for everyone to just wear a mask.

It's hard to identify with Diana at first. She's not the most likable narrator, making rash decisions and enjoying a tropical paradise, "Suddenly it feels juvenile and entitled to be upset about not staying in the hotel I booked, or being hungry. There is no way in hell I'm going to complain to Finn." Um, yeah. Good idea. Not that she really has a clue, as the internet connection in paradise is wonky.

Wish You Were Here is my first [a:Jodi Picoult|7128|Jodi Picoult|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1586468459p2/7128.jpg] novel, despite or because of her being so prolific and successful. But you know what? She can write. I admired rich language like

arthritic tubes of acrylics and the palette with layer after layer of dried moments of inspiration.

This part is not super relevant to the book, but I have to mention it--a covid patient fantasizes about having a job in a palace where her job is to interview courtier cats.

Thanks, NetGalley for the digital ARC! And thanks to my sister, Danna, for the recommendation.