House Rules (novel)

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House Rules is a novel by Jodi Picoult, published in 2010. It explores the life of an 18-year-old boy named Jacob Hunt, who has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism spectrum disorder. The novel delves into the challenges Jacob faces with social interactions, communication, and the criminal justice system when he becomes a prime suspect in a murder case.

Plot Summary

The story is set in Townsend, Vermont, and is told from multiple perspectives, including Jacob's, his mother Emma, his younger brother Theo, and the police detective in charge of the murder investigation. Jacob has a deep interest in forensic analysis, often arriving at crime scenes to offer help to the local police, which is how he finds himself entangled in the murder investigation of his tutor, Jess Ogilvy.

Jacob's inability to understand social cues and his obsessive interest in forensic science make him a suspect in Jess's death. As the investigation unfolds, the novel portrays the struggles of a family trying to prove the innocence of a member with special needs within a legal system that is ill-equipped to handle his condition.

Themes

House Rules addresses several themes, including the challenges faced by individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and their families, the misunderstandings and prejudices about autism spectrum disorders, and the flaws in the criminal justice system when dealing with suspects who have special needs. The novel also explores the dynamics of family relationships, the concept of normalcy, and the question of what it means to be different.

Reception

The novel received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised Picoult for her in-depth research on Asperger's Syndrome and for bringing attention to the difficulties faced by individuals with autism in the criminal justice system. Others criticized the book for its portrayal of autism, arguing that it reinforces stereotypes and misunderstandings about the condition.

Impact

House Rules has contributed to public discussions about autism and the legal system, highlighting the need for more awareness and accommodations for individuals with special needs. It has been used in book clubs and classrooms as a tool to discuss the challenges faced by families dealing with autism and to foster a better understanding of the condition.

See Also

• Jodi Picoult
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Criminal justice system