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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
Different than my usual fare, but a very interesting read.
I always shy away from legal fiction, because (1) it tends to get factual things wrong, which is irritating, and (2) it’s too much like my day job. Grisham is usually pretty good about the first one, only cutting corners where it makes sense to do so, and explaining the real procedures would add nothing to the story. But 2 has been an issue for me in the past. This story, though, was far enough away from anything that I do on a daily basis that it wasn’t a problem.
The story itself is great; it’s inspiring and funny and interesting. The characters are believable, though some are a bit flat. The only negative was the downer that the book gives when you realize just how significant it is that people really are wrongfully convicted, and their ability to escape is often nonexistent.
I always shy away from legal fiction, because (1) it tends to get factual things wrong, which is irritating, and (2) it’s too much like my day job. Grisham is usually pretty good about the first one, only cutting corners where it makes sense to do so, and explaining the real procedures would add nothing to the story. But 2 has been an issue for me in the past. This story, though, was far enough away from anything that I do on a daily basis that it wasn’t a problem.
The story itself is great; it’s inspiring and funny and interesting. The characters are believable, though some are a bit flat. The only negative was the downer that the book gives when you realize just how significant it is that people really are wrongfully convicted, and their ability to escape is often nonexistent.
Once again, John Grisham spotlights a social problem and hooks the reader into caring about it in a book that I'd have finished in a single sitting had not life intervened.
Agree with other reviews- Grisham is back to writing great stories again.
The Guardian stands for Guardian Ministries which is a non-profit organization, whose work is to exonerate the prisoners who are in for somebody else's crime! They have proven the innocence of 7 people in around 8 years and are proud of the work they do, despite the shortage of funds.
The protagonist is our Lawyer and Episcopal Priest, Cullen Post who gave up his practice and has been working with the Guardians for the last several years. He is relentless and knows how to pull the right strings to make the puppets dance.
The story is shown from his perspective and is a gripping read and by the end, you would want to take up the work yourself.
John Grisham's writing of the details to move and solve the mystery is something to admire. There are rarely any misses and it is of the category of intelligent thrillers.
It is hard to keep track of the characters because there are so many, and sometimes if you are not paying attention, you could get lost.
Despite this, the story keeps you hooked and after a while, you see yourself rooting for the exoneration of Guardian's clients!
Initially, I was put off by the description of the character as black or white, but then as it turns out it was the very foundation of why the innocent Quincy Miller was convicted! And by not writing about the racism that is experienced by the people, we can not hope to make it vanish! It needs to be discussed.
This was my first ever legal fiction, which was in the category of semi-fiction as something similar happened recently, which prompted the author to look for innocense work being carried around the world.
The protagonist is our Lawyer and Episcopal Priest, Cullen Post who gave up his practice and has been working with the Guardians for the last several years. He is relentless and knows how to pull the right strings to make the puppets dance.
The story is shown from his perspective and is a gripping read and by the end, you would want to take up the work yourself.
John Grisham's writing of the details to move and solve the mystery is something to admire. There are rarely any misses and it is of the category of intelligent thrillers.
It is hard to keep track of the characters because there are so many, and sometimes if you are not paying attention, you could get lost.
Despite this, the story keeps you hooked and after a while, you see yourself rooting for the exoneration of Guardian's clients!
Initially, I was put off by the description of the character as black or white, but then as it turns out it was the very foundation of why the innocent Quincy Miller was convicted! And by not writing about the racism that is experienced by the people, we can not hope to make it vanish! It needs to be discussed.
This was my first ever legal fiction, which was in the category of semi-fiction as something similar happened recently, which prompted the author to look for innocense work being carried around the world.
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I started The Guardians with high hopes, drawn to its emotional premise and the urgency of its theme—the wrongful conviction of Quincy Miller and the fight for his freedom. The true story behind the novel is heartbreaking, and I fully understand the importance of highlighting the flaws in the justice system. But I have to admit, I couldn’t connect with the book. I made it through about 60 percent before I gave up and Googled the ending.
The story just felt too draggy. There were too many stories entangled, too many characters, and it took away from what could have been a more focused and gripping narrative. I really wish Grisham had kept the spotlight on Quincy Miller and his case instead of branching out into so many side plots. I get that he wanted to encompass the broader issue of wrongful convictions and show the work of innocence lawyers, but it ended up feeling overwhelming and, honestly, a bit like reading court reports rather than an actual story.
There were moments that felt impactful, but they were buried under all the procedural details and side characters. I wanted to care more about Quincy’s fight for justice, but it got diluted in the broader narrative. It’s not that the book lacked importance—it’s that it lacked focus.
In the end, I think this book might work for readers who enjoy a realistic, heavily detailed look into the justice system. But if you’re looking for a story with depth, emotional pull, and a strong connection to the main character, this might not be for you.
The story just felt too draggy. There were too many stories entangled, too many characters, and it took away from what could have been a more focused and gripping narrative. I really wish Grisham had kept the spotlight on Quincy Miller and his case instead of branching out into so many side plots. I get that he wanted to encompass the broader issue of wrongful convictions and show the work of innocence lawyers, but it ended up feeling overwhelming and, honestly, a bit like reading court reports rather than an actual story.
There were moments that felt impactful, but they were buried under all the procedural details and side characters. I wanted to care more about Quincy’s fight for justice, but it got diluted in the broader narrative. It’s not that the book lacked importance—it’s that it lacked focus.
In the end, I think this book might work for readers who enjoy a realistic, heavily detailed look into the justice system. But if you’re looking for a story with depth, emotional pull, and a strong connection to the main character, this might not be for you.
This was my first Grisham book and I don’t think I will read another. I suggested this for our book club and I didn’t even finish on time because I was so bored. Have you ever read a book that put you sleep? Well, this one will do it. I made myself finish, though weeks after my group finished, because I’m not a quitter.
I found his writing style annoying. While I prefer a more direct way of telling a story, this felt like I was just reading case files. I couldn’t connect to a single character. Some of his cases seemed interesting, but the details felt arbitrary. There was no follow up to the ones I strained a connection to. It was just introducing characters and then leaving them hanging in the wind. It felt like it took forever to get to the actual story and there was no climax. Nothing remotely exciting.
Overall, it was a boring journey to a forgettable story.
I found his writing style annoying. While I prefer a more direct way of telling a story, this felt like I was just reading case files. I couldn’t connect to a single character. Some of his cases seemed interesting, but the details felt arbitrary. There was no follow up to the ones I strained a connection to. It was just introducing characters and then leaving them hanging in the wind. It felt like it took forever to get to the actual story and there was no climax. Nothing remotely exciting.
Overall, it was a boring journey to a forgettable story.
Having a story focus on overturning a conviction is challenging because the events of the crime are all over and done with. The story lacks urgency by it's nature. In order to make that work, your main characters have to just fly off the page and these ones never got off the ground. I genuinely can't remember the main characters name (which is not a good sign) but his background as a former priest who transitioned to a law career should have some legs. It doesn't. This was a slog.
Fore more on this, try The All the Books Show! https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/episode-268-stoker-awards-2020
Fore more on this, try The All the Books Show! https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/episode-268-stoker-awards-2020
Джон Гришъм продължава битката си за промяна на общественото мнение по отношение на смъртното наказание. Нормално, за книга, посветена на манипулиране на читателя, бих дал много по-ниска оценка, но тази всъщност е интересна. Има няколко оплетени истории и не е прекалено тежка.