I've been reading John Grisham novels since I was a teenager and he was one of the first authors who wrote books I just had to have as soon as they came out. Over the years however, I've lost interest. I'm not sure at what point, sometime after A Painted House, it just didn't do it for me anymore. Then there was The Innocent Man, Grisham's endeavor at non-fiction, and my interest temporarily returned only to be quickly lost again with Playing For Pizza which hasn't even gotten more than a read of the cover from me. Now there is The Confession and once again, John Grisham has captured my attention. Donte Drum was convicted of the brutal rape and murder of a high school cheerleader, and sentenced to death. For nine years, Donte claims he is innocent. His lawyer repeatedly points out the lack of evidence, the abuse during questioning that eventually led to Donte's confession, the lies told by his accusers, one of them being a bloodhound, and the lack of a body that proves the cheerleader is even dead. Now, Donte is 4 days away from execution, with no chance of appeal left, when the real killer, who is dying of a brain tumor, walks into a Kansas minister's office and confesses. He even claims to know where, and how, the body is buried. The question is, can the truth convince the lawyers, politicians, and powers that be that they are about to kill an innocent man?
When the book originally came out last year, I could have sworn I read it was based on a true story, I can't find anything about that now, but I have to admit, I don't find the prospect too far fetched. I'm sure we have killed innocent people with the death penalty, just as I'm sure there are guilty people that get off scott free. It goes both ways. What the book demands we think about is how that happens, and the social injustice that goes with it.
For more information about any of John Grisham's books, his web site is here, and you can find The Confession at Amazon
10 comments:
I haven't read that much of Grisham, but I think he's sometimes very good. The Rainmaker was very memorable, both in book and later movie form.
Grisham seems to focus a lot on issues that are controversial and then dramtize them in his books. I like the added information he supplies.
This book sounds like a good one, and partly it's because I to some degree know and definitely have followed with interest the case of a man on Death Row right now.
I think the country has done pretty well with the whole innocent until proven guilty idea. It's the innocent after being declared guilty that no seems to know how to handle.
Seana, I was surprised by it. The story is very one sided and it's clear what side Grisham is on. It does give his readers something to think about.
Yes, I do get the sense that at this point Grisham uses his position in the writing world to champion the things he believes in. Whether you agree with him all the time is another matter, but at least he does know the subjects he talks about.
He does seem to know what he's talking about. By the end of his more controversial books like The Innocent Man I find I've seen a different side of things. Something I tend to appreciate.
It is certainly good to be able to stay open to other viewpoints. Not always easy to do.
Must be an enjoyable read Playing for Pizza by John Grisham. loved the way you wrote it. I find your review very genuine and orignal, this book is going in by "to read" list.
I always love Grisham's books. Like 'em even better on audio. You can find this best seller and more at PremierAudiobooks.com. Pretty good prices and you can download audiobooks too. toolhttp://premieraudiobooks.com/sql/nyt/nyt_best_sellers.php
I always love Grisham's books. Like 'em even better on audio. You can find this best seller and more at PremierAudiobooks.com. Pretty good prices and you can download audiobooks too. toolhttp://premieraudiobooks.com/sql/nyt/nyt_best_sellers.php
Funny, but Premiere Audio Books just visited my blog too. Somehow I don't think old PA is without self-interest in this matter.
I agree Seana.
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