Just noticed the review formatting has returned, thank god for that
Just noticed the review formatting has returned, thank god for that
Member since:29.08.2002
Reviews:625
Members who trust:281
The next novel in my John Grisham series is one of the best books I’ve read, the chamber. He has become one of those authors that people either love or hate, personally as I’m sure you’ve been able to tell I love his work, well most of it. I can’t really say I’m a big fan of one of his latest. and although he features heavily in my current book selection, I have started to branch out a little bit.
Grisham, a former lawyer has made a very good living out of writing novels, since his debut effort a time to kill. Despite his move away from practising law he writes his books on the subject he is familiar with keeping a law theme within almost all of his works to date. His Knowledge of the criminal system obviously helps a lot in explaining exactly what he means in an easy way so that someone like me, with only basic knowledge of legal proceedings can follow easily.
The book focuses on two main characters Adam Hall a young lawyer from Chicago is in his first year with one of the cities top law firms. Meanwhile Sam Cayhill is on death row after murdering two Jewish children in a bombing that went drastically wrong. however Sam, a member of the Klu Klux Klan believes he should pay for his mistake and is quite keen not to take any legal help.
When Adam learns of Sam’s case through the pro bono cases of his company, however its when he realises its his grandfather that really adds a twist to the book. Now Adam must convince Sam that he must take legal help and more importantly he must let Adam represent him. Of course Adam’s ulterior motive for taking this case is to enable him to get to know his grandfather but its not going to be easy.
One of the books best passages has to be the description of how Sam has ended up in prison, the details of his job gone wrong. the description of how he was meant to kill the lawyer and not his kids is a fairly moving passage and really sets the scene for the rest of the book. It’s in these opening segments of Grisham’s books where he really draws you in and keeps your attention hooked.
Rather than Grisham’s normal tendency to use the KKK as hate figures protesting against a Black defendant he has this time switched the roles. Showing he can write from both sides, showing Sam originally as a proud member of the KKK who over time has begun to realise just how wrong his actions were. Aspects like this really are well written by Grisham and this was highlighted in A Time To Kill and The Street Lawyer, where he doesn’t just focus on the legal aspect, making for an excellent story line.
As Sam gets closer to his date of death you actually start to feel a little sorry for him as he reflects on what he has done. This is testament to Grisham’s writing ability as he creates possibly one of his strongest characters to date as one of the worst and actually gets you to like him in the end. The background and building of his characters is one of the things Grisham does best and this book is a prime example.
Unlike Sam, Adam is one of those characters that is likeable from the outset. A young lawyer just starting out who wants to help out his Grandfather and has a difficult job persuading him that legal representation is a good idea. Again Grisham creates an excellent, very believable character and this helps the book to flow as I often find if I don’t like the characters I simply stop reading.
Unlike the last book I reviewed, The Street Lawyer, I find the story is a little more believable as the twists in the tail aren’t anywhere near as drastic. If you like Grisham’s work then it’s almost a guarantee that you will enjoy this one and if you haven’t read any Grisham before then this is a good one to start with. Available from all good book stores for £6.99 or amazon.co.uk of £5.59.
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I am reading this book at the moment, and found it really hard to get into. Having got past the incident of the bombing of the kids, I have really got into it. You may enjoy James Patterson's books if you like JG. Good op, and doesn't give too much away!
jodiemay 31.12.2003 10:47
I am reading this book at the moment. After getting thorugh the initial part of the book, the bombing, I am now really enjoying it. You would enjoy James Patterson books if you like JG so much. A good op that doens't give too much away!
jodiemay 31.12.2003 10:45
I am reading this book at the moment, and found it really hard to get into. Having got past the incident of the bombing of the kids, I have really got into it. You may enjoy James Patterson's books if you like JG. Good op, and doesn't give too much away!
At first listen, the narration of this abridged version of John Grisham'sThe Chamberseems ... more
flat and uninvolved. But Michael Beck has chosen his vocal style well, purposely eschewing unnecessary adornment and allowing this searing indictment of racism an...
Postage & Packaging: £2.75 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
At first listen, the narration of this abridged version of John Grisham's The Chamber ... more
seems flat and uninvolved. But Michael Beck has chosen his vocal style well, purposely eschewing unnecessary adornment and allowing this searing indictment of racism ...
Postage & Packaging: £2.75 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
At first listen, the narration of this abridged version of John Grisham's The Chamber ... more
seems flat and uninvolved. But Michael Beck has chosen his vocal style well, purposely eschewing unnecessary adornment and allowing this searing indictment of racism ...
Postage & Packaging: £2.75 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: A worthwhile good v evil take on the issue of capital punishment Disadvantages: Dull, listless, and on the whole an unsatisfying and uninspiring read.
Advantages: A worthwhile good v evil take on the issue of capital punishment Disadvantages: Dull, listless, and on the whole an unsatisfying and uninspiring read.
Nov 28th, 2003
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