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 This book is so compelling and beautifully written that I was pulled right into the story and didn't want to come out! Jodi Picoult's trademark style of immersing the reader into a different world and posing seemingly unanswerable questions is in fine form here. Readers will relate to Ellie on so many levels, and they'll fall absolutely head over heels with Coop. The courtroom scenes zip along to a grand finale. DO NOT peek at the ending. Trust me on this. get this book.
Katie denies both the murder *and* the birth, which means she is either mentally unstable or lying. Given her religious faith, the latter is unbelievable, and as Ellie gets to know Katie, the former becomes less and less believable as well. Where does the truth lie? Although this question is answered by the end of the book, Plain Truth is less a whudunit (or whydunit) than it is a fascinating work of fiction about the Amish life as compared to the secular life led by Ellie Hathaway. In order to keep Katie out of jail pending the trial, she agrees to take custody of Katie, which means living on the Fisher family's farm, and integrating somewhat into their way of life. This premise does not come across as contrived in the context of the story. The narrative, the main and secondary characters, and the setting of the Plain culture are seamlessly integrated to create a very strong work of fiction. TTFN, Laurie Likes Books Publisher, All About Romance
This is the story of Katie Fisher an 18 year old Amish girl who's charged with the murder of her baby. Ellie Hathaway is the Philadelphia attorney who takes on the high-profile murder case, but she receives very little assistance from Katie or her family in helping with the young woman's defense. This well written and fascinating story takes the reader into the "plain" world of Amish farm life.
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Plain Truth has become one of my favorite books. It clicked for me like Cold Sassy Tree and a few others. The right book at the right time is a wonder. I've always been intrigued by the Amish, and moral dilemmas are another draw for me. These elements combined with wonderful characters, a clash of cultures, perfect pacing, drama, and suspense produced for me a book that became totally absorbing. The plot and characters grabbed me on the first page, haunted my waking hours, and haven't released me yet. My heart still aches for Katie. Images of the ethereal skater glide through my thoughts. I marvel at what love can do in lives. This is one of those books that will find a permanent place on my nightstand, a comfort and reminder of what books can do and be.
For most of us, personal achievement is a goal in and of itself. For the Amish, being a member of the community is what is important. These two conflicting world views collide when attorney Ellie Hathaway agrees to defend Katie Fisher, her distant 18-year-old Amish relative, against the charge that she killed her infant.
