I have read every John Grisham book, and this was his worst. The characters are shallow and one dimensional, and that problem goes beyond just the lead characters to almost every actor in the book. The entire setting is a cliche, without any real understanding or effort at development or thorough description. The story line offers no real suprises or twists, just a steady drumbeat on a single theme.
In reading a book, I hope to be informed of new places, or to learn of new cultures, lifestyles, occupations, etc. Another potential is to be entertained, or taken away from worldly cares or concerns. This book fails from both a journalist's and a novelist's perspective.
I am opposed to the death penalty and would vote to abolish it if that option was presented as a straight option up-or-down vote. This book does not advance that cause, being nothing more than a preaching screed with ugly overtones and strong personal bias shallowly concealed as literature.
Here in his own words is a passage from the author's note that completes this lecture. "There are mistakes in this book, as always, and as long as I continue to loathe research, while at the same time remaining perfectly content to occasionally dress up the facts, I'm afraid the mistakes will continue. My hope is that the errors are insignificant in nature."
They were not, and were compounded by bad storytelling.
For a primer on how return to writing meaningful books about sensitive, complex issues in our lives, I would point Mr. Grisham to "Cast of Shadows" by Kevin Guilfoile. Or perhaps even "A Painted House".
In reading a book, I hope to be informed of new places, or to learn of new cultures, lifestyles, occupations, etc. Another potential is to be entertained, or taken away from worldly cares or concerns. This book fails from both a journalist's and a novelist's perspective.
I am opposed to the death penalty and would vote to abolish it if that option was presented as a straight option up-or-down vote. This book does not advance that cause, being nothing more than a preaching screed with ugly overtones and strong personal bias shallowly concealed as literature.
Here in his own words is a passage from the author's note that completes this lecture. "There are mistakes in this book, as always, and as long as I continue to loathe research, while at the same time remaining perfectly content to occasionally dress up the facts, I'm afraid the mistakes will continue. My hope is that the errors are insignificant in nature."
They were not, and were compounded by bad storytelling.
For a primer on how return to writing meaningful books about sensitive, complex issues in our lives, I would point Mr. Grisham to "Cast of Shadows" by Kevin Guilfoile. Or perhaps even "A Painted House".
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
