SONGS OF THE HUMPBACK WHALE

• About the book
• Author video clip
• Book club discussion questions
• Author interviews
• Reviews
• Buy the book

About the book

Author video clip

Book club discussion questions

1. As the title indicates, SONGS OF THE HUMPBACK WHALE is a novel told in five voices. Why might the author have chosen to tell the story in this way? How is it thematically relevant?
2. The story opens with a prologue in which Rebecca describes the circumstances surrounding a plane crash she survived as a small child. What is the significance of this event and why is it important to the story?
3. What is the relevance of Oliver's profession as a prominent oceanographer and authority on tracking whales? How does this play a role in his efforts to find his wife and daughter?
4. Jane grew up at the hands of an abusive father. How does this affect her relationship with Oliver? with Rebecca? with Joley?
5. After receiving a call from Jane, who explains that she has left Oliver and needs to see him, Joley gives her some unlikely directions to Massachusetts, with specific stops along the way. Why does he do this, rather than give her more straight-forward directions?
6. The orchard that Sam owns and operates is described in some detail. Are the trees metaphorical in any way? If so, what do they represent?
7. In what ways is this trip a pilgrimage for the characters, both metaphorically and literally? Which character has come the farthest at the end of the book? Why?
8. What has Jane learned about herself along the way? What lessons does she pass on to Rebecca?
9. What was the turning point for Oliver in this journey? Do you feel he is sincere in wanting to start over anew with his family? If you feel he is sincere, what words or actions confirmed this for you?
10. Rebecca experiences what can be described as a coming of age during the course of the book. What has she learned? What is she in the process of learning?
11. In Rebecca's first chapter, she describes a conversation she has with Sam just prior to heading back to California, regarding Chinese funerals. What is his point in telling her this? What message is he trying to give her?
12. For what reasons does Jane decide to return to Oliver and try to salvage their marriage? Is it merely a sense of obligation, or is there more to it than that?
13. Why did the author choose to tell the narratives in such a way that Rebecca's, Janes's, and Oliver's intersect in time?

Reviews

'Jodi Picoult spreads her wings and catches an updraft’

‘Jodi Picoult displays near perfect pitch. SONGS OF THE HUMPBACK WHALE is ingeniously structured and reminiscent of early Anne Tyler. Picoult has written a compelling story of family, of loss and misunderstanding, and reconciliation. Her characters are made real through their brilliant voices. Indeed, this novel sings’

'This powerful and affecting novel demonstrates that there are as many truths to a story as there are people to tell it'

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