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Title: The Testament by John Grisham, Henry Leyva ISBN: 0553456350 Publisher: Bantam Books-Audio Pub. Date: 02 February, 1999 Format: Audio CD Volumes: 5 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.61
Rating: 5
Summary: Very thoroughly researched novel - A delightful surprise!
Comment: I've haven't read any of the other Grisham novels, but when I heard what this one was about, I decided to give it a try - and was delightfully surprised! As a Christian, I am used to Christianity often being ridiculed in secular novels. Not so with this one.
Nate O'Riley, a twice-divorced alcoholic right out of rehab, must find Rachel Lane, a Christian missionary nobody seems to know, amongst the Indians in the Pantanal of Brazil. Almost like finding a needle in a haystack. The reason: Rachel has become single heir to the tenth largest fortune in the world! The encounter is destined to change both their lives forever.
Contrary to some of the other opinions here on the site, I find the ending perfect. John Grisham knew exactly what he was doing, and if they make a movie out of this book, I hope they don't change it. What absolutely startled me, but in a very positive way, was the grasp that John Grisham seems to have of Christianity and Christian missions. He seems to have received much of his information from Carl King, a Baptist missionary friend of his that lives in Campo Grande and has actually taken Grisham into the Pantanal. Finally a bestselling author who really knows what he's talking about (at least regarding information on various aspects of religion)!
So if you're looking for some food for your soul and a possible way of changing your life's perspectives, read this novel! And to John Grisham: keep up the good work!
Rating: 4
Summary: A lawyer in the jungle...This should be interesting
Comment: Has John Grisham finally cut to the heart of the legal profession by asking the question 'what happens to a lawyer when he is put into a jungle'? Nah...But it is very amusing to read about the trials and tribulations of a burned-out, alcoholic former litigator who finds spiritual renewal while struggiling with his affliction on his journey in Brazil. Grisham paints a delightful portrait of this undisturbed wilderness and the legal issues portrayed are very interesting.
I did have a few criticisms, though. First, I disliked the portrayal of the family. In my opinion, Grisham wrote them primarily to act as thematic devices rather then contributers to the central plot. This process created a slew of characters that were very flat embodiments of the stereotype for rich potential beneficiaries (IE: greedy, financially incompetent and socially inept). Also, this is definately not Grisham's most scathing courtroom drama. It strays from his formula for using legal tribulations to create dramatic prose in favor of providing a narrative of spiritual, psychological and physical rebirth and renewal.
But the bottom line is that it is enjoyable, and I would recommend it.
Rating: 4
Summary: an entertaining if unremarkable Grisham effort
Comment: The Testament is a surprisingly decent if somewhat prosaic novel by the ever-popular John Grisham. To his credit the author breaks away, if only slightly, from his proven yet over-exercised formula of legal dramas. The Testament branches out into areas of morality, religion and greed. On balance the author succeeeds in capturing the reader's attention. I liked the book despite myself.
The beginning of the story starts off very well. The death of a multi-billionaire/monster is eagerly awaited by his completely dysfunctional children and ex-wifes. The rich geezer is looking go to the hereafter with his malicious streak intact. After his death a legal battle takes place, and the hunt for the man's illegitimate daughter ensues. The trail soon leads to the jungles of Brazil (think snakes, bugs, disease). Okay so far.
But then one of the lawyers becomes wrapped up with this daughter's belief in God, her self-sacrificing existence, and within a matter of days his entire life, albeit a pretty miserable life, is reformed. Contrived? Yes. Does it ruin the book? No, not especially. But such life-transforming dramas are best left to more talented writers than Grisham. And the entire adventure in the wilds of Brazil was surprisingly well done. Perhaps Grisham should write adventure stories instead of going for the deep, human values stuff?
Bottom line: an enjoyable if uneven novel. Grisham fans will not be impressed. All others should find it entertaining.
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Title: The Street Lawyer by John Grisham ISBN: 0440225701 Publisher: Dell Island Books Pub. Date: 1999 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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Title: The Brethren by John Grisham ISBN: 0440236673 Publisher: Dell Island Books Pub. Date: 26 December, 2000 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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Title: The Partner by John Grisham ISBN: 0440224764 Publisher: Dell Pub Co Pub. Date: 1998 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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Title: The Runaway Jury by John Grisham ISBN: 0440221471 Publisher: Island Books Pub. Date: 1997 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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Title: The Rainmaker by John Grisham ISBN: 044022165X Publisher: Island Books Pub. Date: 1996 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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