Change of Heart (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Founder | Jodi Picoult |
| Products | Fiction book |
| Website | www |
Change of Heart represents the sixteenth literary work by American novelist Jodi Picoult, released in 2008. This book delves into subjects such as grief, forgiveness, faith, spirituality, and justice.
Prologue
Following the death of Jack in a collision caused by a drunk driver, his wife June and their daughter Elizabeth are left to cope with the loss. At the accident location, June encounters police officer Kurt Nealon, who becomes a trusted companion and eventually her spouse. Several years later, June is expecting another child, and Kurt is planning to expand their home. At this point, a young builder named Shay Bourne offers his assistance, signaling "the beginning of the end."
The Trial
When Elizabeth and Kurt are discovered murdered, Shay—the construction worker—is identified as the only suspect. The ensuing court case attracts widespread media attention. Shay is found guilty of two counts of capital murder. During jury deliberations on imposing the death sentence, Michael Wright initially resists but ultimately consents under pressure.
Eleven Years Later
Shay is relocated to Concord state prison’s I-tier unit, where he shares a cell with Lucius DuFresne, an artist. Shay confides in Lucius about his desire to donate his heart to a young girl he saw on television needing a heart transplant—Claire, the daughter of June and Kurt who suffers from a fatal heart condition.
June agrees to participate in a restorative justice meeting with Shay. When she questions his motive for the crime, Shay responds enigmatically, "She was better off dead." Despite her resentment, June agrees to accept Shay’s heart after his execution. Maggie, representing Shay legally, petitions for his execution to be carried out by hanging instead of lethal injection to facilitate the heart donation. Claire’s physician confirms Shay as an ideal donor match.
Maggie organizes a dinner with Dr. Christian Gallagher to plan the organ donation process. Secretly, June brings the family’s spaniel Dudley to Claire’s hospital room for comfort; a nurse informs Claire about the upcoming transplant before June has had the chance.
During Shay’s trial, Father Michael testifies regarding Shay’s religious conviction in donating his heart as an act of redemption, referencing the Gnostic Gospels. Ian Fletcher appears as an expert witness on these texts. Privately, Father Michael reveals to Shay that he was part of the jury that sentenced him. He locates Shay’s sister Grace and encourages her forgiveness; Grace had caused a fire that scarred her face while attempting to kill their abusive father, but Shay took responsibility.
While testifying, Shay’s restraints inexplicably fall away.
The trial exposes that Kurt sexually abused Elizabeth; Shay killed Kurt after witnessing the abuse but Kurt accidentally shot Elizabeth.
The court concludes by permitting Shay’s execution by hanging so that his heart can be donated to Claire.
Epilogue
Three weeks post-surgery, Claire returns home. While resting, she receives a visit from Grace, Shay’s sister. Claire discovers that Dudley has died but revives him by holding him close to her chest.
Characters
- June Nealon - Mother of Claire and Elizabeth; initially married to Jack and later to Kurt.
- Elizabeth Nealon - Daughter of June and Jack; victim of both sexual abuse by stepfather Kurt and murder.
- Kurt Nealon - Police officer present at Jack’s accident scene; June’s husband and victim of Shay Bourne.
- Claire Nealon - Daughter of June and Kurt suffering from a critical heart condition requiring transplantation.
- Shay Bourne - Construction worker accused of murdering Kurt and Elizabeth; on death row for eleven years; wishes to donate his heart post-mortem.
- Michael Wright - University student serving on Shay’s initial jury; priest and spiritual counselor to Shay.
- Lucius DuFresne - HIV-positive inmate and artist housed next to Shay; incarcerated for killing his partner in a fit of jealousy.
- Alma - Nurse working within the prison system.
- Calloway - White supremacist inmate sharing space with Shay.
- Maggie Bloom - Attorney from ACLU representing Shay.
- Oliver - Maggie’s pet rabbit.
- Dudley - Thirteen-year-old springer spaniel belonging to June and Claire; symbolizes connection between Elizabeth and Claire.
- Dr. Wu - Cardiologist treating Claire who encourages acceptance of Shay’s heart donation.
- Rabbi Joel Bloom - Maggie’s father.
- Judge Haig - Presiding judge over Shay’s trial and execution decision.
- Dr. Christian Gallagher - Medical professional advising Maggie on organ donation procedures; oversees Shay’s execution; Maggie's romantic interest.
- Grace Bourne - Sister of Shay; disfigured in fire incident leading to Shay's juvenile incarceration; reveals Kurt's abuse toward Elizabeth.
- Ian Fletcher - Recurring figure linked from Picoult's Keeping Faith.
Style
Change of Heart is structured through the voices of several narrators—Maggie, Michael, Lucius, and June—each chapter unfolding from their individual viewpoints. Picoult intentionally crafted these characters to mirror the Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Literary significance and reception
Publishers Weekly commended the book as a relevant examination of prisoner rights and religious themes, interwoven with a mother-daughter relationship and motifs of forgiveness. Although they pointed out that sudden shifts in perspective were minor drawbacks, these transitions provided meaningful insights into the narrative.
Donna Seaman from Booklist characterized the novel as a powerful commentary on capital punishment, featuring daring storytelling centered on grief, justice, and spirituality. She compared its theological intrigue to that found in The Da Vinci Code.
In contrast, Janet Maslin of The New York Times criticized the work for lacking nuance and complexity, highlighting superfluous scenes and undistinguished characters. She regarded the ending as implausible and felt it failed to offer significant revelations.
From a commercial standpoint, Change of Heart launched at the top position on The New York Times Fiction bestseller list, maintaining that rank for three weeks before being overtaken by Jonathan Kellerman’s Compulsion.
Film adaptation
On December 13, 2011, Paramount Pictures revealed intentions to develop a movie based on the novel. By December 26, 2011, Paramount had acquired film rights, with MTV Films initially attached as co-producers. Peter Jackson, noted for directing The Lovely Bones, was slated to direct, while Fran Walsh was assigned to write the screenplay. However, by January 8, 2012, MTV Films exited the project.
On January 13, 2012, Paramount announced Sean Bean would portray Shay Bourne. After Selena Gomez declined the role of Claire Nealon, it was awarded to Dakota Fanning. Shortly thereafter, Rachel Weisz and Scott Porter joined the cast as June and Kurt Nealon respectively. On January 20, 2012, Screen Gems replaced MTV Films as co-producer.
Author and singer-actress Hilary Duff expressed interest in participating in the film on January 26, 2012.
Publication history
- 2008, United States, Atria Books, Hardcover edition released March 4, 2008
- 2008, United States, Recorded Books, Audio CD format
- 2008, United Kingdom, Hodder & Stoughton, Hardcover edition published April 17, 2008
- 2008, Australia, Allen & Unwin, available in both Hardcover and Paperback