Grisham's The Last Juror: My bookcrossing review
I know one shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I also learned you should not judge a book by its title. This is actually a lesson I learned while reading this book. The Last Juror is actually the first John Grisham novel I've read, and although I was very skeptical about his writing ability, the title and even the topic of the book, he quickly changed my mind.From the get go, Grisham does not waste time providing voracious readers with plenty details to set up little Ford County--a small community in Mississippi during the Vietnam War era. He provides a colorful picture of the little nuances and sentiments of the small southern community that readers will have no problem imagining and feeling the small town life and the various characters that thrive along with their own respective quirks. This writing flows easily and the language, unlike many era capped books, does not grow tired. The pace is quick and does not linger on any topic too long.
Scenes transgress between the unconventional respect and relationship between the two principal characters William Traynor (a young Ivy League boy and unlikely new owner of the local paper) and Miss Callie Ruffin (an older very articulate and intelligent God fearing black woman on the other side of the tracks). The situation is not without strain, but is handled well. Grisham is able to paint a realistic take on the dynamics between a young white liberal man from the north and an older remarkable black woman from the south.
Grisham does a splendid job illustrating Ford County at the height of the Vietnam War, he is conversely able to touch on sensitive and controversial topics as racial discrimination, segregation, corruption, pro and anti-war movements, drugs, and religion--while at the center of which is a the most brutal murder to shake the God fearing town in its history.
Several high profile books I've read often build you up and end with a rather disappointing thud. This book however is quite the opposite. Though it may not have been a first pick on my to be read list, I found this book to be a real gem. I was very fortunate to have it cross my path. Being it such a quick read, I would highly recommend it.
posted by shine
at
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
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