#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of Small Great Things and A Spark of Light comes a “powerful” (The Washington Post) novel about the choices that alter the course of our lives. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY MARIE CLAIRE Everything changes in a single moment for Dawn Edelstein. She’s on a plane when the flight attendant makes an announcement: Prepare for a crash landing. She braces herself as thoughts flash through her mind. The shocking thing is, the thoughts are not of her husband but of a man she last saw fifteen years ago: Wyatt Armstrong.
Dawn, miraculously, survives the crash, but so do all the doubts that have suddenly been raised. She has led a good life. Back in Boston, there is her husband, Brian, their beloved daughter, and her work as a death doula, in which she helps ease the transition between life and death for her clients.
But somewhere in Egypt is Wyatt Armstrong, who works as an archaeologist unearthing ancient burial sites, a career Dawn once studied for but was forced to abandon when life suddenly intervened. And now, when it seems that fate is offering her second chances, she is not as sure of the choice she once made.
After the crash landing, the airline ensures that the survivors are seen by a doctor, then offers transportation to wherever they want to go. The obvious destination is to fly home, but she could take another path: return to the archaeological site she left years before, reconnect with Wyatt and their unresolved history, and maybe even complete her research on The Book of Two Ways—the first known map of the afterlife.
As the story unfolds, Dawn’s two possible futures unspool side by side, as do the secrets and doubts long buried with them. Dawn must confront the questions she’s never truly asked: What does a life well lived look like? When we leave this earth, what do we leave behind? Do we make choices . . . or do our choices make us? And who would you be if you hadn’t turned out to be the person you are right now?
Explore the Enigma of Life and Death in Jodi Picoult's "The Book of Two Ways"
Journey into the depths of human existence with Jodi Picoult's compelling novel, "The Book of Two Ways." This captivating story delves into the profound questions of life, death, and the intricate paths that connect them.
At the heart of the narrative is Dawn Edelstein, a brilliant Egyptologist whose life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a mysterious artifact – a scroll called "The Book of Two Ways." This ancient Egyptian manuscript is believed to hold the secrets of the afterlife and the power to guide souls through the perilous journey to the next world.
As Dawn delves deeper into the enigmatic text, she finds herself drawn into a world of ancient beliefs, mystical rituals, and the timeless quest for immortality. Along the way, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique perspectives on life, death, and the choices that shape their destinies.
"The Book of Two Ways" is not just a tale of ancient Egypt; it is a poignant exploration of universal human themes. Through Dawn's journey, Picoult confronts profound questions about the nature of existence, the meaning of suffering, and the possibility of redemption after loss.
With her signature blend of historical fiction and contemporary drama, Picoult creates a gripping narrative that keeps readers spellbound until the very end. "The Book of Two Ways" is a thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to contemplate the mysteries of life and death, and the enduring power of love and connection.
