Definitely more 3.5 than 3 stars.

Nearly ten years ago I had a horrible break up and I hid myself away from the world so I could lick my wounds. One of the few things I had to keep myself company was a growing stack of Jodi Picoult novels. I loved their readability, their tackling of issues and how there is

A few years ago I picked up a new Picoult novel and balked at how predictable it was and how sadly "chick lit" the writing had become, albeit interspersed with occasional moments of beauty.

A few weeks ago I listened to a radio interview with Picoult about this book and about the research she did and about the mightily difficult to grasp concept of forgiveness of genocide. I was also hooked on the hook of the plot; is killing a Nazi killer mercy, forgiveness or punishment? So I bought it, downloaded it and started to read it.

In many ways this book is the perfect one to analyse Picoult's appeal which for many will come from the modern-day-referencing, over-simplified too-much-detail description and the predictable will-they-won't-they love stories (that almost ALWAYS involve a law enforcement officer...). For me, this is tiring, dull and does such a good plot a disservice. So for the majority of the first half of the book, as Sage narrates I was unimpressed, but still intrigued.

Then Sage's grandmother takes over with her harrowing account of the Holocaust, which Picoult not only made rich with the research she did (this is a great novel to read for teenages studying this period of history) but Minka's voice is purer, more authentic and despite the horrid things she tells us, more appealing to the reader who prefers to be showed not told.

I would love to read a Picoult novel that leaves the banter alone and focuses on strong stories, strong characters and no law enforcement love interests! Oh and keep the twists in there Jodi too!

Also, I was very moved by this woman's story - which was reportedly the inspiration for Minka's character - and would now like to read her memoir Looking Back.