The Tenth Circle
416
Novel • Fiction
Bethel, Maine • Contemporary
2006
Adult
18+ years
890L
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
134,867 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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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.
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.
134,867 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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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416
Novel • Fiction
Bethel, Maine • Contemporary
2006
Adult
18+ years
890L
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