Column- “Lone Wolf”

As the winter season rolls around, the holidays remind people how important family truly is. Families fight, they can disappoint each other, and they can sometimes drive each other crazy. Christmas time helps us to put our differences aside and see the good in all things, including family.

This fact is the basis of Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult. It’s a novel about the importance of letting go of the bad and holding on to the good.

Lone Wolf presents readers with four different points of view, describing the secrets and desires of each member of the Warren family. Luke Warren has spent most of his life researching wolves. He takes his job very seriously, even going as far as spending months at a time observing wolf packs in their natural habitat. Because he cares so much about the mysterious creatures, he has put his family life on hold, driving his wife Georgie and his two children, Edward and Cara away.

The family dynamics of the Warrens have always been shaky. Georgie divorced Luke over years of being second to his research. Edward had walked out on the family after a major falling out between him and his father. Teenager Cara has been indifferent towards Luke, wondering how and when her family ever fell apart.

The conflict starts when Cara and Luke get involved in a car crash, leaving Luke in a coma. When the rest of the estranged family members return to decide his fate, secrets and lies unfold.

Lone Wolf is one of those novels that leaves people wanting more. It’s a story where readers are left to do nothing but wait for answers until the very last page.

With the four different points of view, the details of the plot are slowly revealed. Each character is so uniquely different in their morals and their emotions, it is impossible not to identify with each one.

Lone Wolf also has a deep message that comes to light. Because family drama is a subject that any person can relate to, it makes the story that much more real to its readers. It sends the message that life is short and there is always room for forgiveness when it is due. Letting go of what has hurt you in the past does not outweigh family itself.

The novel is a reminder that the things you say to someone you love, whether it be out of adoration or anger, could very well be your last.

The spotlight of this novel is on Edward Warren, Luke’s twenty-four year old son who had left six years prior due to a fight he had with his father. When he gets a call from his younger sister Cara saying their father is in a coma, he drops everything and runs. Little did he know what hardship would come after returning home. Edward is the most complex character out of his other family members. He is faced with impossible decisions and is forced to dig deep inside himself to tackle the pain he has endured for years since he left home. After reading Lone Wolf, I felt an immense respect for Edward. It made me think if it were me in his shoes, would I be able to fight my demons while my father’s fate hangs in the balance?

The way that Lone Wolf is structured is also very effective. The varied perspective provides a look inside each character and reveals harsh truths. Luke, Georgie, Edward, and Cara all have something about them that they wish they could destroy for good. The multiple points of view allows the reader to follow their journey of growth from within.

Lone Wolf truly is a novel worth reading. With the unique characters, riveting plotline, and clear message, the book could benefit anyone.  This novel can benefit anyone in the revelations it provides on dealing with disappointment and the far-reaching impact of family.