TL;DR
'Wish You Were Here' by Jodi Picoult follows Diana O'Toole as she navigates unexpected challenges during a solo trip to the Galápagos Islands amid the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to profound self-discovery and transformation.
What is Wish You Were Here about
'Wish You Were Here' is a novel by Jodi Picoult, centered around Diana O’Toole, whose meticulously planned life veers off course due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Diana, an associate specialist at Sotheby’s, anticipates a proposal from her boyfriend Finn during their Galápagos vacation. However, Finn, a surgical resident, must stay back due to the pandemic, urging Diana to go alone. Stranded in the Galápagos amid quarantine, Diana forms connections with locals and introspects her life choices, leading to personal growth and evolution. Inspired by true events, the book explores themes of resilience, human spirit, and self-discovery.
Wish You Were Here 5 Key Takeaways
Diana's Planned Life
Diana O’Toole has her life perfectly planned, from career milestones to personal goals, including an anticipated marriage proposal from her boyfriend, Finn.
Pandemic Disruption
As the COVID-19 pandemic breaks out, Finn stays back to work at the hospital, and Diana reluctantly travels alone to the Galápagos, where her vacation plans quickly unravel.
Isolation and Connection
Stranded on the island due to quarantine, Diana’s luggage is lost, and amenities are scarce. She slowly connects with a local family, especially a teenager with a secret, pushing her out of her comfort zone.
Self-Examination
In the isolation of the Galápagos, Diana begins to reflect deeply on her relationships, choices, and the life she has meticulously planned. The setting, where Darwin’s evolutionary theory was conceived, parallels her own journey of personal evolution.
Return and Transformation
Diana’s experiences on the island transform her perspective on life. When she returns home, she faces the possibility of having evolved into someone fundamentally different.
Top Wish You Were Here Quotes
- 'In the Galápagos Islands, where Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection was formed, Diana finds herself examining her relationships, her choices, and herself.'
Who should read Wish You Were Here?
This book is ideal for readers interested in contemporary fiction that explores personal growth, resilience, and the human spirit, especially those who appreciate stories set against significant historical or scientific backgrounds.
Wish You Were Here Best Reviews
- 'A powerfully evocative story of resilience and the triumph of the human spirit.' — Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' and 'Daisy Jones & The Six'
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Wish You Were Here FAQs
What is the book 'Wish You Were Here' about?
The book follows Diana O'Toole, whose life changes drastically when she is stranded in the Galápagos Islands during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading her to reevaluate her life and relationships.
Is the book 'Wish You Were Here' a true story?
While the novel itself is fictional, Jodi Picoult was inspired by the true story of a Japanese tourist stranded in Machu Picchu due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Is there a prequel to 'Wish You Were Here'?
Yes, 'Broken Things' is a short story prequel to 'Wish You Were Here,' featuring nine-year-old Diana and her experiences as she counts down the days until her mother’s return.