Jodi Picoult's Leaving Time blends mystery and emotional depth, weaving a tale of a daughter's search for her missing mother. Reviewers praised Picoult's deep research and emotional storytelling, though some criticized the plot twists as implausible. Overall, it's a compelling read with strong character development, but its surprising turns may not appeal to all.

Readers who enjoy Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult typically appreciate emotional, thought-provoking novels that combine mystery, psychological drama, and strong character development. Fans of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty would find this book compelling.

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult follows Jenna, a young girl who is searching for her missing mother, Alice, who disappeared after an incident at their family's elephant sanctuary. Assisted by a former detective and a psychic, Jenna uncovers secrets about her family and the night her mother vanished, leading to life-changing revelations.

Mysterious / Emotional / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Contemplative

- Jodi Picoult spent extensive time researching elephants and even consulted with real-life elephant researchers to authentically portray their behavior and characteristics in Leaving Time.
- The novel explores themes of memory and loss, with one of its inspirations being Picoult's own reflections on how elephants process grief.
- Leaving Time was a bestseller, reaching the top spot on The New York Times Best Seller list, showcasing Picoult's ability to weave engaging and thought-provoking narratives.

**Jenna Metcalf**  
A determined 13-year-old girl with red hair and green eyes, who is on a mission to find her missing mother and achieve closure regarding her disappearance.

**Serenity Jones**  
A flamboyant psychic with cotton-candy pink hair, who initially resists but eventually agrees to help Jenna in her search for her mother.

**Virgil Stanhope**  
An investigator with a buzz cut who struggles with alcoholism and seeks redemption by reopening a cold case involving Jenna’s mother.

**Alice Metcalf**  
A passionate researcher dedicated to studying elephants' grieving behaviors, who mysteriously disappears from the sanctuary she worked at in New England.

**Thomas Metcalf**  
The earnest owner of an elephant sanctuary in New England, who struggles with bipolar disorder and his relationship with Alice.

**Nevvie Ruehl**  
A devoted caregiver for elephants who formerly worked for the circus and often has differing views with Alice regarding elephant care.

**Grace Cartwright**  
Nevvie’s ethereal daughter who helps with elephant care and grapples with personal challenges in her marriage to Gideon.

**Gideon Cartwright**  
A handsome man responsible for heavy work at the sanctuary who is conflicted by his attraction to Alice and the tragedies in his life.

Jodi Picoult

Adult

Novel

Leaving Time

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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Leaving Time Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 4

Leaving Time Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-8

Leaving Time Part 1, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-11

Leaving Time Part 1, Chapters 9-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 12-17

Leaving Time Part 1, Chapters 12-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 18-21

Leaving Time Part 2, Chapters 18-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 22-26

Leaving Time Part 2, Chapters 22-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 27-32

Leaving Time Part 2, Chapters 27-32 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 33-43

Leaving Time Part 2, Chapters 33-43 Summary & Analysis

Novella: Larger Than Life

Leaving Time Novella: Larger Than Life Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Leaving Time Character Analysis

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Themes

Leaving Time Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Leaving Time Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Leaving Time Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Leaving Time Essay Topics

Leaving Time

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