REVIEWS+

House Arrest

Red Hen. Feb. 2011. c.212p. ISBN 9781597094993. $20.95. F
COPY ISBN
When visiting nurse Emily Klein learns her next assignment will be monitoring the pregnancy of a cult member whose first child froze to death during a sacred ritual, her immediate instinct is to ask whether someone else can do it. Then she meets 21-year-old Pippa Glenning, whose spiky yellow hair frames a round face that is both strong and vulnerable. Meeting at the Family of Isis's tidy house in a rundown neighborhood, Emily becomes intrigued with Pippa and her story—a runaway saved from street life by a loving group led by a charismatic male leader, Tian. Tian is now in jail awaiting trial, while Pippa endures house arrest. Soon Pippa asks Emily to make a decision that will risk her nursing career. Emily is forced to come to terms with her past, particularly in regard to her parents, who made a similarly difficult decision years ago.
VERDICT Although this first novel has awkward moments and telegraphs its ending, fans of Jodi Picoult's ethics-heavy suspense may find it a suitable readalike.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?