Jodi Picoult's The Pact is lauded for its compelling narrative and emotional depth, tackling complex themes of love, trust, and justice. Critics praise Picoult's character development and thought-provoking story, though some found it predictable and emotionally manipulative. Overall, it remains a gripping read that engages the reader with its moral dilemmas.

Readers who enjoy deeply emotional and thought-provoking stories with legal drama and moral dilemmas will appreciate The Pact by Jodi Picoult. Fans of works like My Sister's Keeper by Picoult or The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold will find this book compelling, as it explores complex human relationships and the devastation of a tragic event.

The Pact by Jodi Picoult follows teens Emily Gold and Chris Harte, lifelong best friends turned high school sweethearts, who enter into a pact to die by suicide; Emily's death occurs early on, and Chris is subsequently charged with her murder. The novel explores the intricate dynamics between the two families and uncovers the true nature of their pact, leading to a tense courtroom showdown. This book contains content related to suicide and sexual violence.

Dark / Emotional / Mysterious / Melancholic / Suspenseful

- The Pact by Jodi Picoult was inspired by a true story that the author read about in a newspaper, which piqued her interest in exploring complex themes of teenage love and tragedy.

- Jodi Picoult wrote The Pact with meticulous research, including interviewing a forensic pathologist and a high school couple, to accurately depict both the legal and emotional aspects of the novel.

- The novel received the New England Bookseller Award for Fiction, recognizing it as a significant contribution to the literary landscape of the region.

**Chris Harte**  
An eighteen-year-old who is a talented student and athlete, with a future that seemed promising until he becomes embroiled in a legal case following Emily’s death. Readers explore his past and current relationships to assess his character and sincerity.

**Emily Gold**  
A smart and kind teenager with artistic aspirations whose life is closely bonded with Chris from childhood. Her character is revealed through past events and others' perspectives after her death.

**Augusta “Gus” Harte**  
A strong-willed and assertive character who is deeply affected by the accusations against Chris, her son. Her character is further shaped by the dynamics of her marriage and friendships.

**James Harte**  
Chris’s father, a successful ophthalmologist who struggles to confront the reality of his son's legal predicament. His relationship with his family is tested and evolved throughout the story.

**Melanie Gold**  
Emily’s grieving mother who is certain that her daughter did not die by suicide. Her character is portrayed as deeply bereft and disconnected from those around her following Emily's death.

**Michael Gold**  
Emily’s father, a large-animal veterinarian who approaches her death with a logical perspective. He searches for understanding and offers support to both Chris and Gus amid his own family tensions.

Jodi Picoult

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Pact reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Pact | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Pact and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Pact Summary

Background

The Pact Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Boy Next Door”

Part 1, Chapters 1-9

The Pact Part 1, Chapters 1-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Girl Next Door”

Part 2, Chapters 10-14

The Pact Part 2, Chapters 10-14 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Girl Next Door” - Part 3: “The Truth”

Part 2, Chapters 15-16-Part 3, Chapter 18

The Pact Part 2, Chapters 15-16-Part 3, Chapter 18 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Truth”

Part 3, Chapters 19-23 & Epilogue

The Pact Part 3, Chapters 19-23 & Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Pact Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Pact Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Pact Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Pact Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Pact Essay Topics

The Pact

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Pact?

Reading Age

Book Details