BOOK REVIEW

CYNTHIA GRACE DELA CRUZ

HOUSE RULES by JODI PICOULT

Jacob Hunt, 18, has Asperger’s syndrome. This is a rare form of autistic disorder characterized by difficulties in dealing with social interactions, and it exhibits repetitive patterns of behaviour. Jacob displays symptoms of Asperger’s such as difficulty in making eye contact, showing no empathy with his peers, and obsessively compulsive behaviour; as demonstrated by his throwing tantrums if he fails to watch his favourite show Crime Busters at exactly four-thirty in the afternoon every day. He lives with his understanding and widowed mother Emma, and his rebellious brother Theo, the latter of whom could not understand why he could not live a normal life with Jacob around.

A distinguishing characteristic of Asperger’s is the pursuit of a specific and narrow area of interest. Jacob is particularly interested in forensics science, often showing up without warning in actual crime scenes in their neighbourhood, intent upon helping solve the cases. He makes the smartest detective seem amateur in comparison by pinpointing the cause of death even before an investigation have began
The Hunt family cope with Jacob’s condition day in and day out, until a horrendous murder shocks their small town. This time the victim is someone who is close to the Hunt family. Jacob is accused and becomes the prime suspect in the murder, and as his trial ensues, all is put into turmoil. Emma is not convinced that her autistic son could ever commit murder. However, Jacob’s behaviour suggests otherwise. His condition hinders him answering questions fired straight at him making him look guilty to the authorities’ eyes. The Hunt family does everything to defend Jacob, but is Jacob capable of proving himself innocent?

You can choose your friends, but you cannot choose your family. In this case, how does one deal with family members who are not normal as compared to rules set by the society? Do we disown them or do we protect them? This book delves into the powerful bond that holds a family together. No matter what the circumstances, everyone always looks out for each other.

This novel caught my attention from the very beginning as it both has suspense and drama. I often find myself reading hastily to find out if Jacob did ever commit the murder himself and how he did it. The story is told brilliantly through the narratives bursting with emotions, of the different characters involved. It gives us a view of how the outside world perceives someone who could not communicate well and how they would treat him. Nevertheless, it is moving to know that even the helpless of them all has someone to stand up for them. After putting down this book I was made to realize that we need a better understanding of people who don’t understand why they are seen as different. The Hunt family also demonstrates that a family does not need to come in a cookie-cutter to be one; this involves making room for disappointments, shortcomings, and the truth that everyone is every one. /TE