The Innocent Man - John Grisham > Reviews

Advantages: reads like a book of fiction, great but harrowing story, compelling throughout
Disadvantages: predictable ending given the true story nature, author takes liberties with the truth

...a Grisham fan and in the early days used to positively drool awaiting the next book. However, I began to lose interest after A Painted House and since The King of Torts, whilst passable, I do not think any of his books have been anything special. In fact the last 4/5 novels merge into one and I cannot remember individual story lines. You cannot say that about The Firm or A Time To Kill. It was with a little bit of uncertainty, therefore, that ... Read review

Advantages: Does open up some great points and questions.
Disadvantages: Very dry and mechanical reading. Absolutely no depth.

...least should have read with the same tense page turning drama like one of his novels. The Storyline. The story focuses on Ron Williamson who was a baseball hero, originally from a small town in Okalahoma. Unfortunately his dream failed to live up to its expectations, and after 6 years, he returned back home. His dreams were broken after problems with an arm injury, and signs of mental illness. He began to drink too heavily, and also turned to ... Read review

The story had to be told, and who better than Grisham? I'm a huge fan of his work - I'm not a reader but his writing style means that I read pretty much nothing else. So I make no attempt to pass myself as a connoisseur of literary text but I know what I like and I have my opinions. 'Innocent Man' was a step for Grisham into the world of non-fiction which I think he did justice to (please excuse the pun). I don't think it's his best work, but it is an interesting story. Grisham's strong opinions about his findings come through loud and clear, which when you read the facts is fair enough. Knowing that it's based on fact means that while I read, some parts I found emotional. On the whole, I'm glad I read it and it's worth a read. Personally speaking, I hope he reverts to fiction because his passion for imagination and scene setting makes the read more enjoyable.

Advantages: Could be used as a doorstop when you have finished it
Disadvantages: Boring. No feeling for main character.

...this book. His earlier books, The Firm, The Client etc had me on the edge of my seat, and I couldn't put them down until they were finished. Recently his novels have been less addictive - but still worth a read. This book however is worth leaving well alone. It is Grishams first factual novel. Unfortunately it centres around a would-have-been baseball player, who is basically a bit of a dead beat. The book is written about a so-called travesty ... Read review