The Book Depository The Reckoning by John Grisham
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Description: The Reckoning : Hardback : Hodder & Stoughton : 9781473684386 : : 23 Oct 2018 : The electrifying thriller from internationally bestselling author John Grisham. The Book Depository The Reckoning by John Grisham - shop the best deal online on thebookbug.co.uk
Category: Books
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Product ID: 9781473684386
MPN: 9781473684386
GTIN: 9781473684386
Author: Doc Culbard
Rating: 5
Review: The value of any book is often dictated by the reader’s taste and the enjoyment of a particular literary genre. The literature of John Grisham is no exception. Obviously, the wide appeal of Grisham is shown in the volume of books he has written and had published. Clearly, his basic concentration on crimes committed and how these are dealt with by the relevant authorities, for example, police, lawyers, as well as the effect on the various relationships possessed by those committing crimes and solving them, is a basic staple in John Grisham’s literary diet. It is also to be appreciated when a writer steps out of his/her usual format and explores areas that are not so familiar - either to the writer or the reader. It is for this reason that John Grisham’s latest novel, The Reckoning, is to be valued and assessed. Grisham could easily, and profitably, have remained with his usual construction of crimes committed and solved, but, and this is a possible secret of his success as a novelist, he occasionally steps out of his comfort zone and tackles something that is new to form and topical in content. We have seen Grisham’s change of gear in his book of short stories (see Ford County), and his focus on festivities (see Skipping Christmas), as well setting a novel outside of his usual locations (see Playing for Pizza). These named books may not possess Grisham’s usual gravitas, but they display the range of his writing capabilities. Now comes a novel that, once again, introduces something new into his writing. In The Reckoning, Grisham makes a return to what must be his favourite location, Clanton, Mississippi, to relate the narrative of “an unthinkable murder, the bizarre trial that followed it, and its profound and lasting effect on the people of Ford Country.” The initial location may be well explored by Grisham and well known to his readers, but the literary pictures he paints with his story show how expertly he can recall and describe characters and their location and situations. The focus is on a returning war hero, Pete Banning, a prominent and popular person in Clanton. But the crime he commits seems inexplicable, and the person who is the victim of that crime and those related to him seemingly undeserving. As the story of this mysterious and unforgettable crime is unfolded, the reader is allowed to delve into the military background of Pete Banning, focusing on the events he experienced when the grossly outnumbered American and Filipino troops were engaged in brutal fighting against the Japanese on the island of Bataan during the 2nd WW. Peter Banning was second-in-command of his platoon and experienced all the horrors of this military engagement. But he survived and came home. This information is vital to the progress of Grisham’s narrative and is, in no way, superfluous to the overall drama of the story. It is another example of this master storyteller’s skill in outlining personal background and story into his characters. As one newspaper said, “No one does it better than Grisham.” This novel, with its references to war and sexual topics, shows that he has an experienced command of and is unafraid to deal with topics that some might consider are outside of his literary orbit. The first major instalment of the story, the crime, is followed by the second instalment, the background of the criminal - especially his war experiences and relationships with his family. The third instalment of this gripping story, the drama of the courtroom - its procedures, involvement of individual actors, and the outcomes of the criminal prosecution - provides a dramatic and memorable conclusion to the novel. This is a story that propels the reader on to discover more of what is the background and experience of the characters, the present circumstances of their lives, and how these two features are interlinked. It is the 33rd of John Grisham’s published fictional novels (excluding the Theodore Boone series), and it does full justice to the writing that has gone before. Clanton is back on the map and shares the importance of locale with the Melanesian Island of Bataan (and the memory of its famous Death March), whilst Pete Banning, the Reverend Dexter Bell and related persons join the list of Grisham’s hard to forget characters. This is yet another of John Grisham novels that will reward the discerning reader with an intriguing story, detailed characterisation, developing but related plots, and 432 pages of enjoyable reading. The version under review is available with a hardback cover at an economical price. Highly recommended, and not just for aficionados of John Grisham.
Author: Gregory Jameson
Rating: 2
Review: This book is split into three parts and that is how I will review it. Part 1, the criminal act that starts the story: 8.5 our of 10. Very much enjoyed it. Built on my anticipation. Thought I knew the outcome vaguely. Part 2, the period spent in The Philippines during WWII. That is not a spoiler. 8 out of 10. Learned something of that campaign and firmed up what may be the framework of the outcome of the story. Part 3: Throw the book away. You’ve read the best bits, and they are good and worth reading. It turned out that I was correct in my thoughts on the outcome, but even weaker that I feared. It was absolutely not worth persevering with. I really do wish I had binned the book. I do not regret the first two parts in any way and heartily recommend them to you. Read them. Don’t waste your life on the third part. Find a wall, paint it and practice mindfulness as you watch it dry. Comparison to To Kill A Mockingbird? I’ve made a complaint to my local Trading Standards Office. Chalk and Cheese. Night and day.
