Mercy by Jodi Picoult

 

Cameron McDonald didn't expect his life to change much from this point on.  He was the clan chief of a group of immigrated McDonalds and although it was mostly an honorary title, it still bore responsibility.  He was also the small town's police chief so he was a leader in every aspect of his life.  He was married to Allie and while his marriage wasn't that exciting, it was stable and met his needs.  

But change is around the corner.  One morning a truck pulls up outside the police station.  Inside is Jamie McDonald, a cousin.  He has come to confess to killing his wife Maggie.  Maggie had terminal cancer and had begged Jamie to put her out of her pain.  He had finally consented.  But mercy killing has no place in the law and Jamie is quickly arrested.  Soon the town is split in two, those who support Jamie's actions and those who support the law.

Another change is coming.  Allie hires a new assistant, Mia.  When Cameron meets her, he is instantly struck with longing and a feeling that she is the one he was meant for.  Soon the two are having an affair and Cameron questions his life.  Can he leave Allie and his job and travel with Mia?  Can he have a life of no responsibility?

Jodi Picoult is known for novels that pose moral questions.  This one is about assisted suicide and whether it is a moral choice.  It is also about whether we all deserve the life we dreamed of or whether the everyday responsibilities that life gives us are more important than what we wanted.  The characters are interesting and readers will have differing views of Cameron, Mia, Jamie and Allie.  This book is recommended for readers of literary and women's fiction.