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"The Testament" is a classic John Grisham novel: a down-and-out lawyer, a lot of money, an action-packed pursuit, and relevant issues. The book has more going for it than just great, fully-drawn characters- the plot deals with moral questions. Even though the novel features the usual attorney hero and legal action, Grisham exceeds expectations by carrying readers into a Brazilian adventure and deals with spirituality throughout this genuine, sensitive narrative. Nate O'Riley, 48, is a drunk. He's also a top D.C. attorney who, coming our of his fourth stint in rehab, is asked by his firm to find Rachel Lane, the illegitimate daughter to whom the firm's client, tycoon Troy Phelan, has left his entire $11 billion fortune. Rachel is a missionary-physician tending Indians somewhere in Brazil's Pantanal region. Nate's experiences tracking her down prove nightmarish, including fierce storms, a plane crash, dangerous animals, hunger and, finally, dengue fever, which nearly kills him. As Grisham's story arc leaps from Brazil to D.C., and the sleazy manipulations of Phelan's other children and their lawyers to negate Phelan's will, readers will wonder which is the real jungle. "The Testament" is not a religious book, it is spiritual. His dealings with spiritual issues are not subtle, but Grisham's smart use of the suspense novel to explore these questions puts him squarely in league with writers like Charles Dickens and Graham Greene. Sincere, exciting and tinged with wonder, this novel is is a thoughtful meditation on issues that transcend the courtroom.Read full review
I have rated this book a five because it starts very strong, and is hard to put down. It also gives the reader an insight as to how our legal system works, and how it does not work. A multi billionair writes a hand written, but arguabley legal will (testament) that shuts out with nothing, all but an illigitimate child. Then the billionair jumps out a fourteen story window, all witnessed and recorded on vido tape. There are several heros in this story. The law firm, long retained by the billonaire, fends off many vicsous attacks from the family, who had been named in many previous wills. Another hero is a very fair but firm Judge. Inspite of immense pressure from the family, no rubber stamp from him. The quest for the missing benificary of the will, Rache Lane, is epic. To me, a disappointment is she is out of character. Rachel Lane is portrayed as a highly educated medical doctor and missionary in the most unaccesabable wilds of South America. She was totally not interested in a vast amount of money; even when key hero Nick O'Riley explains that she could do her mission a lot of good. She did change her mind, but too late. Mr. Nick O'Riley is another major hero in this tale. As a recovering achollic, he is picked "by default" as the most expendable of the law firm partners to try to find the missing Rachel Lane. His weakness and stupidity is hard to comprehend. An airplane crash resulted from his bullying a local pilot. Our hero escapes by the skin of his teeth. There is not much said about, to me another hero, the airplane pilot. He lands his plane in impossible conditions, kills a cow, wreaks his plane. Our hero offers to pay for the cow, nothing said about the plane. There are many other heros. The boat captain, and the deck hand, and many native guides and indians. They contributed more and made more sacrifices than hero Nick O'Riley, or the law firm head honchos. To me, the climax is a disappointment. The wrong people get killed. The wrong heros are rewarded. It is left to our imagination, what happens next. I have rated this book a five because it is one of few that I continue to re-read. I can open it at random, get engrossed in it again, and pick up new insight about not only the story line, but a lot about how our legal system works. I see the potential here of a very good sequel. How does a dumb shit like Nick O'Riley spend billions of dollars as per the will? There are two testaments in this story. The last written by Rachel Lane. Very good read, even if I do not like the characters or ending.Read full review
I chose this particular book because I saw that it took one away from the law offices and the business aspect to the jungles of Brazil and that was very interesting. Also I like the flawed main character and I liked seeing his growth in the book. I enjoyed this very much.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great book. Very exciting. I could not put it down. Don't read at bed time unless it's the weekend. Lol. Once you get to the suicide you won't put it down.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Nice read. Grisham never disappoints - book keeps you focused on the characters and the scenario. Not only a pleasant read but teaches you something new about our world.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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