Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult (2000). Summary of the book.

Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult (2000)

Plain Truth is a 2000 novel written by American author Jodi Picoult. The novel tells the story of a pregnant Amish teenager who is accused of murder and the lawyer, who is not Amish, who defends her. It is a story of love, faith, and justice, and how they all come together in a small Amish community.

Plot Summary

The story begins in the small town of Paradise, Pennsylvania, with a 17-year-old Amish girl named Katie Fisher. Katie is pregnant and the father of the baby is unknown. The townspeople, who are all Amish, shame her and ostracize her from the community. On the night of the baby’s birth, Katie’s aunt finds the baby dead in his crib. Katie is accused of murder and faces a trial.

Katie is defended by a non-Amish lawyer named Ellie Hathaway. Ellie has a difficult time connecting with Katie and her community, and she struggles to understand the culture and beliefs of the Amish. Despite their differences, Ellie and Katie develop a strong bond and friendship.

The story follows Ellie as she pieces together the events of the night of the baby’s death. Along the way, she discovers secrets about Katie’s past and about the Amish community. She learns about the importance of faith, family, and forgiveness. In the end, Ellie realizes that justice is more important than winning the case.

Interesting Facts

  • The novel is based on a real-life case. In 1993, a 17-year-old Amish girl named Mary Elizabeth Witmer was accused of killing her newborn baby. She was eventually found not guilty in a jury trial. Jodi Picoult read about the case in a newspaper and was inspired to write the novel.
  • The novel was adapted into a TV movie. In 2004, the novel was adapted into a television movie starring Mariel Hemingway and Martha Plimpton. The movie was directed by Peter Levin and was well-received by critics.
  • The novel was a bestseller. The novel reached number one on the New York Times bestseller list and has sold over four million copies worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is Plain Truth about?
    Plain Truth is a novel about a pregnant Amish teenager who is accused of murder and the lawyer who defends her. It is a story of faith, family, and justice, and how they all come together in a small Amish community.
  • Who wrote Plain Truth?
    Plain Truth was written by American author Jodi Picoult.
  • When was Plain Truth published?
    Plain Truth was published in 2000.
  • Was Plain Truth adapted into a movie?
    Yes, Plain Truth was adapted into a television movie in 2004, starring Mariel Hemingway and Martha Plimpton.
  • Is Plain Truth a bestseller?
    Yes, Plain Truth was a number one New York Times bestseller and has sold over four million copies worldwide.

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