"Plain Truth" is about an Amish girl who is put on trial for murdering her own baby. Catch is, the Amish aren't allowed to be violent, so the question is raised as to whether it is even possible that this 19 year old would have thought to commit such a crime. Deeper at the heart of the novel is the question of religious dedication and adherence. Whether or not the young girl, Katie, actually committed the crime remains a secret for most of the novel. Regardless, it is suggested that whether or not she is guilty, she should surrender herself to the mercy of the community and be banned for a short period of time. After asking forgiveness, she will be fully accepted back into the community once her bann is over. It seems to me there comes a point in time when submitting to the will of the community on principle alone is no longer a moral course of action.
Furthermore, in the case of the Amish, they live a "plain" life, not submitting to English cultural mechanisms or ways of life. Thus, is it fair to ask them to be a part of an English court system, when they have their own means for dealing with crimes? In one sense, murdering a newborn is a crime, regardless of whether it's English or Amish. Yet, is it a double standard to allow the Amish to live within their own societies in all other instances, except those which break the English law?
Like many of Piccoult's novels, this story has a savior - and an unexpected one at that. She always raises the question as to what the role of the savior is in literature and culture - both in myth and actuality.
All in all, clearly raised a lot of questions for me on a variety of topics. Regardless, an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
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