55 pages 1 hour read

Jodi Picoult

The Pact

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Pact by Jodi Picoult follows teens Emily Gold and Chris Harte, lifelong best friends turned high school sweethearts, who enter into a pact to die by suicide; Emily's death occurs early on, and Chris is subsequently charged with her murder. The novel explores the intricate dynamics between the two families and uncovers the true nature of their pact, leading to a tense courtroom showdown. This book contains content related to suicide and sexual violence.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Jodi Picoult's The Pact is lauded for its compelling narrative and emotional depth, tackling complex themes of love, trust, and justice. Critics praise Picoult's character development and thought-provoking story, though some found it predictable and emotionally manipulative. Overall, it remains a gripping read that engages the reader with its moral dilemmas.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Pact?

Readers who enjoy deeply emotional and thought-provoking stories with legal drama and moral dilemmas will appreciate The Pact by Jodi Picoult. Fans of works like My Sister's Keeper by Picoult or The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold will find this book compelling, as it explores complex human relationships and the devastation of a tragic event.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

760L

Book Details

Genre

Romance

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Realistic Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Life/Time: Mortality & Death

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Topics

Depression / Suicide

Relationships

Trauma / Abuse / Violence