"A Time to Kill"
John Grisham
This is John Grisham's first novel, published in 1989. While it was initially mostly ignored by readers and critics alike, following the explosive popularity and acclaim that accompanied Grisham's subsequent two novels, "The Firm" and "The Pelican Brief," "A Time To Kill" was later widely considered to be an excellent example of Grisham's style and eventually a classic in the legal thriller genre.
The story is complex, extremely well-written, and thick and sticky as a Mississippi summer in the legal, ethical, and moral problems it deals with. Grisham doesn't look away from tough topics. There are very few characters who don't make poor choices, and none that are unquestioningly good--though there are quite a few that are the opposite. The novel opens with a shocking, brutal scene that sets the tone for the rest of the story. There will be no hand-holding. As a reader, you must, before the first chapter is complete, agree to the terms that Grisham sets out: this is not going to be a fun, rollicking ride, but a harsh, painful, and dangerous one. And indeed it is.
The rape is merely the opening act, however, as it precedes the subsequent murder by the girl's father, which is the subject of the remainder of the book. This is the moral and ethical quandary that is really at the heart of the story: is murder ever justified? Does society trust the legal system to condemn and punish offenders, or is the impassioned revenge of a devastated father acceptable as a method of carrying out justice? Though the story ends with the jury suggesting a possible answer, I don't think Grisham is as interested in answering questions as he is in asking them. I appreciate his restraint here, as he never editorializes; he acts almost as a reporter, detailing events that might have happened calmly, objectively. He never instructs his readers HOW to think, but he continually demands that they THINK something. I have my own conclusions
His style is very easy to read, and the story goes from one character and situation to the next with incredible smoothness. He notes every detail in just enough words to convey his meaning without being wordy. I especially enjoy his dry and occasionally ironic humor. The dialogue is fantastic, and the legal sections are fascinating. Grisham started his career as a novelist with courage and clarity, two things I think every writer ought to aspire to.
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