The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

Published by Atria, February 2013 *****

I was pleasantly surprised that Jodi took a departure from her typical formula and delivered some quality historical fiction. There are still her standard perspective (and therefore typeface) changes, during scenes in the present, but these are really effective in conveying the stories of 3 damaged characters. First is Sage, a baker who is scarred both physically and emotionally. Then comes elderly bakery patron Josef, who quickly reveals to Sage his past as a Nazi war criminal. Finally, we learn that Sage’s grandmother, Minka, is a survivor of a concentration camp, and she is the title character. When Minka tells her story, it’s like a novel within a novel, and it is a beautifully rendered, though tragic history.

It was refreshing to see Jodi step away from current social issues and courtroom drama. Of course, there’s a great twist in the last 5 pages, but that’s what I’ve learned to love about Jodi’s books.