This is definitely a departure from Grisham’s popular work from his second novel on. You can’t help feeling, reading this one, that this is much closer to what Grisham really wants to do. Coupled with the genuine lack of passion and plot in The Brethren, the change of pace should be well appreciated by the reader. It may also help prevent the long-term popularity disaster that would be almost certain if he stayed on the same track.

The work is also a very laudable attempt at serious literature. Not since A Time to Kill has he been so serious and obviously earnest. The Street Lawyer revealed that tendency – but it was so limited by Grisham’s popularity formula that any social message was doomed to dismissal by all but the un-average reader.

It is obvious that Grisham learned many lessons before the preparation of this opus. Components of Steinbeck, Irving and even a little Faukner shine through the gentle telling of the tale. And even such provincial (and fellow Arkansian) authors as Griff Stockwell are evident as influences.

The plot is strong and purposeful. The social commentary is subtle but self-evident.

The only issue I take with Grisham is his whitewashing of the social discrimination and class stratification of the area. Having been a resident of Arkansas for five years, I know the normal situation and average opinion is much different than that presented. But, then on the other hand – if the work represents Grisham’s personal experience growing up in the area – as represented in the liner notes – I am willing – in the light of Grisham’s body of work – to grant that his experience was nearly unique for the area – and suspend my disbelief in the interest of good and constructive reading.

This is a good novel. It is representative of Grisham’s best work so far. And, I hope, prophetic of even stronger literary contributions for the future.