Songs of the Humpback Whale

Jane Jones has always lived in someone else's shadow. After escaping a childhood of abuse, she marries renowned oceanographer Oliver Jones, only to find herself taking second place to his increasingly successful career. When life starts treating her daughter Rebecca with similar disregard, Jane's dramatic stand takes them all by surprise. Jane and Rebecca set out to drive across America to the sanctuary of the New England apple orchard where Jane's brother works, and Oliver, used to tracking humpback whales across vast oceans, now has the task of tracking his wife across a continent. To do so he must learn to see the world - and himself - through her eyes. 'Picoult's impressive ability to get inside her characters' heads is astounding. ' Stylist. 'This is Picoult's greatest strength: her ability to inhabit other people's feelings, relishing the bits that are complex and contradictory. she is a master of her craft. ' Sunday Telegraph.