Among the world’s best-known authors, former Mississippi lawyer John Grisham holds a reputation as the modern master of legal thrillers. In The Broker (2005, Bantam Dell, New York, 422 pages), he demonstrates a much wider range. In fact, he’s a master storyteller, capable of entertaining without a courtroom in sight.
True, Joel Backman, the book’s protagonist, has practiced law, but the opening pages find him in failing health and confined to a prison cell. Once the ultimate powerbroker as Washington’s most effective lobbyist, he riled ruthless people, several governments and the law in a potentially lucrative deal to control hijacked spy satellites.
To Joel’s surprise, he’s suddenly pardoned by an outgoing U.S. president. Six years into a 20-year sentence, the prison gates swing open, but freedom brings greater peril. The Central Intelligence Agency gives Joel a new identity overseas and vows to protect him, but really plots to see him murdered.
Fifty-two-year-old Grisham has crafted an exciting tale of an alienated fugitive struggling to blend into new surroundings, yet unable to stay put. Despite many shortcomings, Joel’s a likeable sort. As powerful people gun for him, he easily wins the readers’ sympathies. At suspenseful moments, some may feel obliged to yell out warnings.
Grisham’s past bestsellers include The Pelican Brief, A Time To Kill, The Firm, The Rainmaker, The Runaway Jury, A Painted House, The King of Torts and The Last Juror. Happily, he looks capable of writing lots more.
Interestingly, Grisham once dreamed of playing professional baseball. He also served eight years in the Mississippi House of Representatives. Such experience helps to weave intense plots.
The author confesses to a love affair with Italy, where Joel flees. After accompanying the protagonist along the streets of Bologna, some readers may wish to call travel agents.
Already, Grisham has 225 million books circulating in 29 languages. Nine of his 18 novels transformed into successful Hollywood movies. These impressive statistics should escalate before he’s finished.
Approval rating: 79 per cent.
For more information: www.bantamdell.com or www.randomhouse.com/features/grisham/
(January 17, 2007)
ARCHIVES
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John Grisham entertains
outside courtrooms too.
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