Absolutely classic John Grisham (The Testament - John Grisham)

Member Name: Martin52

Product:	The Testament - John Grisham
Date:	08/06/09 (32 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good story and a perfect book to read on holiday

Disadvantages: Not overly complicated if you prefer fiendlishly clever stories

I think that everyone probably has a number of safe-bet authors. You know the sort I mean? They're the authors where, when you are in a bookshop hurriedly looking for something to read, you can grab their latest offering and know that you are going to be entertained. Well, for a long time, John Grisham was one of mine. Then I read 'Playing for Pizza' and, I'm afraid, his stock in my eyes went down considerably.

However, everyone can have a bad day (or a bad book!) and so I decided to give him another go with 'The Testament'. I'm happy to say that with this book we are back to absolutely classic Grisham.

The plot is not complicated. Self-made billionaire, who hates his family, commits suicide, but not before leaving all of his vast fortune to an illegitimate daughter with whom he has had no contact for 20 years. Our hero, a burnt out lawyer type, must track her down and give her the good news. Only problem is that she is a missionary living somewhere in the most remote part of the Amazon jungle.

As I said, this is classic Grisham. The book is very easy to read and you always hurry on to read the next page. As usual, there is a strong emphasis on the legal profession but, more than that, this is an adventure story with some likeable, and not so likeable, characters.

It's also very commendable that an established novel writer like Grisham has written a decent good-length novel. At 472 pages, it may sound as if this book is a bit too long. However, it isn't. You will reach the end wishing that it could just go on for a bit longer. Also, although I may be naive, the ending genuinely came as a surprise to me and you can't always say that about a book written by John Grisham.

This is a perfect book to buy to read on holiday. It will entertain and grip you. If you've already enjoyed a few Grisham books then you'll like this one as it is one of his best. If you haven't read any John Grisham books then you could do a lot worse than start with this one. Go ahead and read it.

Summary: Worldly washed-up lawyer hunting for missionary in deepest Brazil