The Last Juror: Book Review
© Reviewer: Mary M. Alward
This month I'm deferring from my topic to write a book review for the Summer Reading Event. I hope you enjoy the review and will pick up a copy of the book.
Title: The Last Juror
Author:John Grisham
Illustrator:N/A
Publisher:Dell
ISBN:044024157X
Ages:Adult
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In 1970, The Ford County Times, one of Mississippi's most colorful newspapers is forced into bankruptcy because of a boycott caused by the publication of an obituary of a black person. Willie Traynor, a former cub reporter, takes over the newspaper much to the dismay of the white population of Ford County.
Shortly after Willie takes over the newspaper, a young mother is brutally raped and murdered. Before she dies, she identifies her killer as Danny Padget, a member of the notorious Padget family. Danny is arrested.
When Danny goes to trial, he threatens revenge on the jurors if he is convicted. Because of the overwhelming evidence in the case, as well as the victim's deathbed identification, the jury ignores his warning and he is found guilty. Danny's sentence is life in prison.
Ten years later, Danny is released. One by one, the jurors are being killed off. Willie, who has come to love Callie Ruffin, the first black juror in Ford County's history, and on a juror at the trail, vows to keep the elderly woman safe. At the risk of his own life, he sets out to keep that vow.
This book should definitely be classed as a bestseller. Master storyteller, John Grisham, has woven a tale of mystery and intrigue. He brings our attention to little things that lead to major social relationships in 1970's Mississippi. He uses facts such as the first black juror and obituaries of blacks to bring our attention to the stark reality of the era. Subplots add to the suspense and keeps the reader rapidly flipping pages.
Grisham's talent for imaging and emotionally drawing his reader into the story is vividly prominent in The Last Juror. This is Grisham at his best. The book inspires his readers to delve deeper into the world of black history. A must read for anyone who enjoys Grisham, a journey of mystery, emotions, intrigue and history.
About the Author:
John Grisham was born on February 8, 1955, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. His childhood dream was to become a professional baseball player. As he got older, John realized his dream would never come to be. He graduated from law school in 1981.
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