Small Great Things

by Jodi Picoult
Small Great Things cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Contemporary Fiction
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  • ID: 9709
  • Added: 2026-01-02
  • Updated: 2026-01-02
  • ISBN: 9780425286029
  • Published: 2017-04-11
  • Reviews: 3

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult delves into the life of Ruth, a black nurse, who is reassigned from a white supremacist couple's care. The story takes a dramatic turn when the couple's baby goes into cardiac distress, and Ruth's hesitation leads to a tragic outcome. The novel explores the deep-seated racial tensions and the personal growth of Ruth and her white public defender as they navigate the legal and emotional fallout. /n/n The narrative is a poignant examination of the societal issues surrounding race, privilege, and the justice system. Picoult's compelling storytelling and character development make this a gripping and unforgettable read.

Reviews
the starving artist · 2024-05-14
decent 3.00

Small Great Things is a decent book, not great but not bad either, making it suitable for book club discussions. It handles its topics with a balanced approach, avoiding whitewashing and presenting a nuanced perspective.

The reviewer found Small Great Things to be a decent read, not exceptional but far from disappointing. They appreciated the book's ability to tackle sensitive topics without resorting to whitewashing, making it a balanced and nuanced exploration of its themes. The book's suitability for book club discussions was highlighted, suggesting it provokes thoughtful conversations and offers a well-rounded perspective on its subject matter.

Quick quotes

    Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult was a decent book. Not a great book. And thankfully not a bad book.

    It's definitely a book club kind of book.

    It handles its topics with a balanced approach, avoiding whitewashing and presenting a nuanced perspective.

The Black Book Blogg · 2020-04-05
powerful 4.00

The novel effectively tackles racial issues without being palatable, making it a powerful read. The character development, especially of the racist character, is noted for its depth and impact.

The reviewer was impressed by the novel's handling of racial issues, finding it powerful and unapologetic. They particularly noted the depth of character development, especially the racist character, which was both disturbing and impactful. The reviewer appreciated the author's ability to create a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    But to me, she did it well, surprisingly well.

    And it wasn't a whitewashed novel – that was made palatable for her predominantly white audience.

    I squirmed when I had to hear from the racist, he is so disgusting and scary, and this means Picoult did a good job of developing his character.

The New York Times · Roxane Gay · 2016-10-11
noteworthy 3.50

The novel is messy, reflecting the complexity of our racial climate. The reviewer gives credit to the author for attempting to tackle such a difficult topic with rigor and sincerity.

Roxane Gay acknowledges that the novel is messy, much like the racial climate it portrays. She gives the author credit for attempting to tackle such a complex and difficult topic with rigor and sincerity. Despite the messiness, Gay appreciates the effort and the depth of the narrative, making it a noteworthy read. The reviewer highlights the author's ability to create a narrative that is both challenging and thought-provoking, reflecting the realities of our times.

Quick quotes

    The novel is messy, but so is our racial climate.

    I give Picoult a lot of credit for trying, and for supporting her attempt with rigorous research and sincere storytelling.

    Picoult manages to create a narrative that is both challenging and thought-provoking, reflecting the realities of our times.

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