A Gripping Tale Of Injustice In The American Legal System (The Innocent Man - John Grisham)

Member Name: nykied

Product:	The Innocent Man - John Grisham
Date:	24/09/09 (39 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Reads like a well-written novel

Disadvantages: It's a little short

I was given this book as people know that I'm a John Grisham fan and I started reading it before realising that it was a true story, as the plot so easily could be a work of the law court fiction that Grisham so greatly favours.

The book starts by describing the early life of Ron Williamson, who dreams of being a professional baseball player. Once he gets into the adult baseball games however, his life takes a downturn and he drops into drink and drugs, which only makes his slight mental instability worse.

The worst downturn by far is when he, along with a friend, is arrested for the murder of a girl in his hometown. The local police are so convinced that they are guilty that they fabricate evidence to ensure that the two men are convicted of murder, resulting in Ronnie being sentenced to death.

This is the story of what happens once he's sent to death row for the crime of murder. It details the many years of appeals and, poignantly, the way that prison affects Ron's health, both mental and physical.

As previously mentioned, this could so easily have been a story straight from Grisham's mind - it's that hard to believe that this sort of thing can happen.

It's a very good read (I found it hard to put down) and you really feel for the characters. Nicely done, Grisham, a true masterpiece.

Summary: A brilliant read that you won't want to put down