Plot Summary

The Tenth Circle

Jodi Picoult
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The Tenth Circle

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

Book Brief

Jodi Picoult

The Tenth Circle

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Bethel, Maine • Contemporary

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

890L

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Super Short Summary

The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult explores the complex dynamics of the father-daughter relationship through the story of Trixie Stone, a high school freshman who accuses her ex-boyfriend Jason Underhill of rape, leading to a series of dramatic events that unravel the truth. The novel is intertwined with symbolic references to Dante’s The Divine Comedy, particularly the “Inferno” section, and employs a unique literary structure, using the comic book created by Trixie’s father, Daniel, as a subplot.

Dark

Emotional

Challenging

Mysterious

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.8

134,867 ratings

52%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Jodi Picoult's The Tenth Circle blends intense family dynamics with themes of guilt and redemption. The narrative's emotional depth and well-drawn characters earned praise, while some critics found the plot twists and graphic novel interludes slightly disjointing. Overall, it's a compelling read that tackles difficult subjects with sensitivity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Tenth Circle?

Readers who enjoy family dramas, emotional depth, and moral complexities will appreciate The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult. Comparable to those who favor The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and My Sister's Keeper by Picoult herself, this novel suits fans of poignant, thought-provoking storytelling.

3.8

134,867 ratings

52%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Tenth Circle explores themes inspired by Dante's Inferno, with references to the nine circles of hell and integrating a modern family crisis.

The novel includes comic book-style illustrations created by the character Daniel Stone, which were actually drawn by Jodi Picoult's longtime collaborator, Dustin Weaver.

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Jodi Picoult conducted extensive research on the Arctic environment and the Yup'ik culture to authentically portray settings and cultural elements in the novel.

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Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Bethel, Maine • Contemporary

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

890L

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