The Rainmaker
by John Grisham
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Book Summary Information
Author: John GrishamEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-09-27
ISBN: 0385339607
Number of pages: 576
Publisher: Delta
Book Reviews of The Rainmaker
Book Review: Excellent, multi-layered novel
Summary: 5 Stars
This 600-page monster of a novel grabs you from the very start and does not let go. Although I must admit that the beginning is slow, tracking the career progress of the hapless narrator, Rudy Baynor as he goes from one disaster to another. However Grisham manages the difficult task of keeping the reader emotionally invested for the first 250 pages or so of slow but steady buildup. Then once the central case of the novel begins in earnest around page 300, you are hooked and ready for the goodies, which are duly delivered as you read on.
The first person narrative really makes the difference, making the story realistic and believable, and the main character is developed throughout the novel as he goes through various personal and professional trials in his turbulent career start as a lawyer. He struggles with his conscience and self-doubt (due in part to his low socio-economic status) in some of the cases that he tackles alongside his less consciencious yet sympathetic partner, and this really makes his character seem flesh-and-blood.
The intricate details of court proceedings and legal manoueverings are fascinating, and would otherwise be unknown to someone like myself, who has not had much previous exposure. Also, central to the novel is the murky insurance business, which is portrayed as dirty and immoral. The author does hide his disgust and rage at the powerful corporations that take advantage of the simple folks. He uses "corporate thug" label several times throughout the novel.
I like Grisham's style more and more with each novel I read. He has a way with words, and ability to describe feelings and places with quick, bold brushstrokes, without sacrificing depth. Sort of like gazing at an impressionist painting from a distance, it all fuses together into a cohesive, well composed whole.
The ending is a bit of a letdown, but not impossible, if you think about it. Perhaps he rushed to complete the novel, and did not lay down all the possibilies in a complex situation.
Overall impression - a truly fantastic, thought-provoking, multi-layered novel, one of his very best, head and shoulders above other mass-market novels.
Summary of The Rainmaker
John Grisham's five novels -- A Time To Kill, The Firm, The Pelican Brief, The Client, and The Chamber -- have been number one best-sellers, and have a combined total of 47 million copies in print. Now, inThe Rainmaker, Grisham returns to the courtroom for the first time since A Time To Kill, and weaves a riveting tale of legal intrigue and corporate greed. Combining suspense, narrative momentum, and humor as only John Grisham can, this is another spellbinding read from the most popular author of our time.Grisham's sixth spellbinding novel of legal intrigue and corporate greed displays all of the intricate plotting, fast-paced action, humor, and suspense that have made him the most popular author of our time. In his first courtroom thriller since A Time To Kill, John Grisham tells the story of a young man barely out of law school who finds himself taking on one of the most powerful, corrupt, and ruthless companies in America -- and exposing a complex, multibillion-dollar insurance scam. In hs final semester of law school Rudy Baylor is required to provide free legal advice to a group of senior citizens, and it is there that he meets his first "clients," Dot and Buddy Black. Their son, Donny Ray, is dying of leukemia, and their insurance company has flatly refused to pay for his medical treatments. While Rudy is at first skeptical, he soon realizes that the Blacks really have been shockingly mistreated by the huge company, and that he just may have stumbled upon one of the largest insurance frauds anyone's ever seen -- and one of the most lucrative and important cases in the history of civil litigation. The problem is, Rudy's flat broke, has no job, hasn't even passed the bar, and is about to go head-to-head with one of the best defense attorneys -- and powerful industries -- in America.
From the Hardcover edition.
The supple voice and deft narrative skills of Frank Muller are an excellent match for this tremendously popular courtroom thriller. With subtle vocal changes, accents, and thoughtful interpretation, Muller helps elevate the drama and suspense of this fascinating tale, which pits a small-time rookie lawyer against the power and influence of a corrupt insurance company. Muller's talent gives life to the entire cast: from apathetic law students to slippery corporate lawyers and heartbroken senior citizens. "It's simple... they're a bunch of crooks," exclaims the young lawyer's first clients, an elderly couple bitter over being swindled. "They think we're simple, ignorant trash with no money to fight 'em." Battling his instinct to agree, he sets out to defend their rightful claims and finds himself enmeshed in a suspenseful case of ruthless intimidation and deadly criminal behavior. (Running time: 17 hours, 12 cassettes) --George Laney
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