Small Great Things: A Brief History
Small Great Things is a compelling novel written by Jodi Picoult, a renowned author in the literary world. Released in 2016, this thought-provoking book delves into various social issues and explores the complex dynamics of race, privilege, and justice. With an engaging storyline and well-developed characters, it captivates readers from beginning to end.
The Plot
The story revolves around Ruth Jefferson, an experienced African American labor and delivery nurse who faces unimaginable obstacles in her profession due to racial prejudices. Despite her competence and compassionate nature, Ruth is forbidden from caring for a newborn baby boy, Davis Bauer, with white supremacist parents.
One day, while Ruth is alone in the nursery and Davis goes into cardiac distress, she hesitates for a moment before intervening, torn between following orders and saving a life. This hesitation leads to devastating consequences when Davis tragically passes away. Ruth is then charged with a serious crime: the death of an infant.
Kennedy McQuarrie, a public defender, takes on Ruth’s case, aiming to provide her with legal support and fight against systemic racism. As the trial unfolds, important themes emerge, including empathy, prejudice, and the complex nature of racism in America. The novel challenges readers to confront their own biases and reevaluate their perceptions of race relations.
Awards, Reviews, and Accolades
Small Great Things received widespread acclaim for its thought-provoking narrative and impactful storytelling. The book resonated with readers around the world, resulting in several prestigious awards and accolades. Some of the notable recognition includes:
1. Nautilus Book Award (2017): Small Great Things won the Nautilus Book Award in the fiction category, acknowledging its contribution to literature that promotes personal growth and social change.
2. Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Fiction (2016): The book was recognized as one of the best fiction works of 2016 by Goodreads users, showcasing its wide appeal and positive reception among readers.
3. Washington Post Best Books of the Year (2016): The influential newspaper selected Small Great Things as one of the standout novels published in 2016, praising its bold exploration of race and discrimination.
Critics and reviewers have also lauded Jodi Picoult’s writing and the profound impact of Small Great Things. The New York Times, for instance, described the novel as a “gripping courtroom drama” that “asks uncomfortable questions about privilege and prejudice.” The book’s nuanced characters and powerful message resonated with both literary critics and general readers, earning it critical acclaim.
Memorable Characters
Small Great Things portrays a diverse range of characters who play essential roles in shaping the narrative. Here are some of the key individuals found within the pages of this remarkable novel:
1. Ruth Jefferson: The protagonist, an experienced African American labor and delivery nurse who finds herself at the center of an intense legal battle due to racial tensions.
2. Kennedy McQuarrie: A white public defender who takes on Ruth’s case, representing her in court and confronting her own internal biases along the way.
3. Turk and Brittany Bauer: The white supremacist parents of Davis Bauer, the baby at the center of the controversial incident.
Through the development of these and other complex characters, Jodi Picoult weaves a touching, emotional, and eye-opening tale that encourages readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and encourages empathy and understanding.