Handle with Care (novel)

Handle with Care - Jodi Picoult

Handle with Care is a novel written by Jodi Picoult, first published in 2009. The book explores complex themes such as medical ethics, family dynamics, and the legal system.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around the O'Keefe family, particularly focusing on Charlotte O'Keefe and her daughter Willow. Willow is born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare genetic disorder that causes brittle bones. The novel delves into the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by the family as they navigate the challenges of Willow's condition.

Charlotte, a former pastry chef, and her husband Sean, a police officer, are devoted to their daughter. However, the financial and emotional strain of caring for Willow leads Charlotte to file a wrongful birth lawsuit against her obstetrician and best friend, Piper Reece. The lawsuit claims that had Charlotte known about Willow's condition earlier, she would have terminated the pregnancy.

Characters

• Charlotte O'Keefe - The mother of Willow, who files the wrongful birth lawsuit.
• Sean O'Keefe - Charlotte's husband and a police officer.
• Willow O'Keefe - The young girl with osteogenesis imperfecta.
• Amelia O'Keefe - Willow's older sister, who struggles with feelings of neglect and isolation.
• Piper Reece - Charlotte's best friend and obstetrician, who is sued for wrongful birth.

Themes

The novel addresses several key themes:

• Medical Ethics - The ethical implications of wrongful birth lawsuits and the responsibilities of medical professionals.
• Family Dynamics - The impact of a child's chronic illness on family relationships.
• Legal System - The complexities and emotional toll of legal battles.

Reception

Handle with Care received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised Picoult's handling of sensitive topics, while others criticized the book for its melodramatic elements. Despite the mixed reviews, the novel was a commercial success and became a New York Times Best Seller.

Related Works

Jodi Picoult is known for her novels that tackle controversial and thought-provoking issues. Some of her other notable works include:

• My Sister's Keeper
• Nineteen Minutes
• The Pact