Handle with Care (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Jodi Picoult |
| Products | Book |
Handle with Care (2009) represents the 17th novel by American writer Jodi Picoult. Upon release, it immediately secured the top position on The New York Times Best Seller list.
Plot
The narrative follows Willow O'Keefe, a young girl diagnosed with Type III osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), commonly known as brittle bone disease. Her parents, Sean and Charlotte O'Keefe, continuously grapple with the financial burdens of medical care and societal prejudice.
Following a family trip to Walt Disney World, during which Willow suffers fractures to both her femora, the family seeks legal advice regarding potential litigation against the theme park and hospital, which had suspected abuse. Their attorney, Marin Gates, recommends pursuing a wrongful birth suit targeting Piper Reece, the obstetrician who managed Charlotte’s pregnancy and also happens to be her closest friend. The suit contends that an earlier diagnosis of Willow’s condition would have allowed for the option of abortion.
Charlotte’s eldest daughter, Amelia, faces emotional turmoil manifesting as bulimia and self-injury amid the family’s ongoing strain. Sean considers divorce due to disputes over the legal action but ultimately they reconcile.
During the trial, evidence reveals that Piper overlooked indications of OI during an 18-week ultrasound scan. The jury awards $8 million to the O'Keefe family, which results in Piper stepping back from her practice to work part-time at a free clinic. Concurrently, Marin investigates her own origins and uncovers that her birth mother sits on the jury; Marin herself was conceived through rape.
The concluding chapter is narrated by Willow as she embarks on first grade and attends a camp for children with OI. Amelia recovers from her eating disorder and pursues painting as a passion. Charlotte authors a cookbook, donating its proceeds to the OI Foundation. Sean and Charlotte save their settlement money for future expenses. Tragically, Willow drowns after falling through thin ice while ice skating—a talent Amelia excels in and which sparks jealousy in Willow. The story ends with Charlotte interring the $8 million settlement check alongside Willow.
Characters
Charlotte O'Keefe - Mother to Willow and Amelia, she initiates legal action against her obstetrician and close friend Piper Reece to secure necessary medical support for Willow. Although awarded $8 million in damages, she never cashes the check and places it in Willow’s coffin after her passing.
Sean O'Keefe - Charlotte’s husband and a police officer by profession. Initially endorsing the lawsuit, his stance shifts to opposition, leading him to testify for the defense and seek divorce before reconciling with Charlotte.
Willow O'Keefe - An intellectually gifted girl living with osteogenesis imperfecta who spends much time reading during recovery periods. She harbors fears of rejection amid the lawsuit and ultimately dies in an ice skating accident, reflecting on her life as she drowns.
Amelia O'Keefe - Willow’s older half-sister who feels overshadowed by her sibling’s illness. She struggles emotionally, developing bulimia and engaging in self-harm as parental attention focuses on the lawsuit. Amelia testifies against Charlotte in court concerning medical decisions, highlighting familial conflicts.
Marin Gates - The attorney representing the O'Keefes who privately questions the ethics of the case. As an adoptee herself, she discovers that her birth mother is serving on the jury but accepts her mother’s decision not to establish contact, deepening her relationship with her adoptive parents.
Piper Reece - Charlotte’s best friend, obstetrician/gynecologist, and Willow’s godmother. Her professional abilities are scrutinized during trial proceedings, resulting in reduced clinical duties. She also informs Sean about Amelia’s eating disorder.
Rob Reece - Piper’s husband and a local orthodontist. Though their marriage experiences tension due to the lawsuit, he remains supportive of Piper. He endured childhood trauma after discovering his brother’s suicide.
Emma Reece - Daughter of Piper and Rob; formerly Amelia’s closest friend who turns against her following the onset of litigation. She leads peer exclusion of Amelia and is first to observe her self-harming behavior.
Narrative style
Handle with Care features a rotating narrative perspective, with chapters told from the viewpoints of Charlotte, Sean, Marin, Piper, Amelia, and finally Willow. Jodi Picoult applies this storytelling approach in several of her works, such as Songs of the Humpback Whale, My Sister's Keeper, Change of Heart, and House Rules.
Reception
The novel received a four-star rating from People magazine. The Washington Post commended it as "an engaging read, featuring compelling characters, a gripping lawsuit, and effective incorporation of medical themes." In contrast, The Boston Globe characterized the book as "moderately captivating though occasionally a challenging read."