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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
Typical John Grisham. I haven't read one of his books in a while & it was fun how he brought Jake Brigance back for another case.
I can remember when John Grisham's novels were thrilling page-turners. This was recommended by a friend, but did not live up to my modest expectations. I wasn't anticipating great literature, but I was expecting an engaging, lively story. While his early books involved fascinating trials, this one is bogged down with a lot of back and forth procedural stuff related to estate law. Blah. The novel picked up steam toward the end, but it could easily have been 100 pages shorter. Do yourself a favor and re-read The Firm if you're in the mood for some Grisham.
Wow! Grisham at his best. Even though I mostly figured out the ending, it was still a compelling page-turner right to the end.
Engrossing, down to the last page. Classic Grisham.
As a general rule, I don't read legal fiction. With the exception of To Kill A Mockingbird, which I read every year or so, I can't remember the last legal drama I read. But, I remember reading and liking A Time To Kill, and I was intrigued when I learned that Grisham had written a follow up to that book. So, I ditched my general rule and read Sycamore Row.
Probate cases are rarely exciting, but in true Grisham style - this case is. Grisham did a great job telling an exciting story, keeping the story as legally accurate as fictionally possible, and admitting and explaining when it wasn't. But, what I enjoyed the most was how true and relatable the Grisham’s lawyers were. Grisham did a great job illustrating the small-town-Americana legal system and all of its typical characters.
Probate cases are rarely exciting, but in true Grisham style - this case is. Grisham did a great job telling an exciting story, keeping the story as legally accurate as fictionally possible, and admitting and explaining when it wasn't. But, what I enjoyed the most was how true and relatable the Grisham’s lawyers were. Grisham did a great job illustrating the small-town-Americana legal system and all of its typical characters.
John Grisham returns to the world he has created in an earlier novel, the well-acclaimed "A Time to Kill" where Jake Brigance, a young lawyer, defends the father of a black girl who was raped by two white teenagers, when the father takes justice into his own hands. That novel was one of Grisham's best and reflected the atmosphere and thinking of a U.S. small town in the South, deeply separated by race issues.
"Sycamore Row" follows the deeds of Jake Brigance. This time a prominent landowner in Clanton, Seth Hubbard commits suicide and has a will that leaves all his belongings to his Black nurse/keeper, Lettie Lang. He has specifically asked Jake Brigance to represent him and asks him to make sure his will is followed. While Jake takes step to realise Seth's will, the whole town is raided by lawyers that have sensed the millions of dollars that are available and would like to contest the seemingly strange will. As Jake goes deeper into the mystery of the will, he will uncover family secrets that explain why Seth has behaved the way he has.
This is a book which brings out the best in Grisham and I think that happens when he takes on the injustices and prejudices in society. Truly a must read, both for Grisham fans and others.
"Sycamore Row" follows the deeds of Jake Brigance. This time a prominent landowner in Clanton, Seth Hubbard commits suicide and has a will that leaves all his belongings to his Black nurse/keeper, Lettie Lang. He has specifically asked Jake Brigance to represent him and asks him to make sure his will is followed. While Jake takes step to realise Seth's will, the whole town is raided by lawyers that have sensed the millions of dollars that are available and would like to contest the seemingly strange will. As Jake goes deeper into the mystery of the will, he will uncover family secrets that explain why Seth has behaved the way he has.
This is a book which brings out the best in Grisham and I think that happens when he takes on the injustices and prejudices in society. Truly a must read, both for Grisham fans and others.