Customer Reviews

Testament

5 star:		(439)
4 star:		(306)
3 star:		(169)
2 star:		(132)
1 star:		(124)

 

 

This is certainly the best John Grisham novel so far. A self-made billionaire commits suicide. When his last will is discovered, it is mind-boggling to the supposed-to-be heirs. He leaves his vast fortune to one of his children, Rachel. But she's enstranged to her father, and has given her life to God as a missionary in the jungles of Brazil. Now, the lawyers have to find her, which is not an easy task. In the meanwhile, the supposed-to-be heirs are circling like vultures, trying to overturn the 'insane' will. The story is suspenseful, heart-warming, adventurous, and beautifully written. It's also a picture of human nature, and the story carries a rare genuine redemptive byline. Really a good book!

I've haven't read any of the other Grisham novels, but when I heard what this one was about, I decided to give it a try - and was delightfully surprised! As a Christian, I am used to Christianity often being ridiculed in secular novels. Not so with this one.

Nate O'Riley, a twice-divorced alcoholic right out of rehab, must find Rachel Lane, a Christian missionary nobody seems to know, amongst the Indians in the Pantanal of Brazil. Almost like finding a needle in a haystack. The reason: Rachel has become single heir to the tenth largest fortune in the world! The encounter is destined to change both their lives forever.

Contrary to some of the other opinions here on the site, I find the ending perfect. John Grisham knew exactly what he was doing, and if they make a movie out of this book, I hope they don't change it. What absolutely startled me, but in a very positive way, was the grasp that John Grisham seems to have of Christianity and Christian missions. He seems to have received much of his information from Carl King, a Baptist missionary friend of his that lives in Campo Grande and has actually taken Grisham into the Pantanal. Finally a bestselling author who really knows what he's talking about (at least regarding information on various aspects of religion)!

So if you're looking for some food for your soul and a possible way of changing your life's perspectives, read this novel! And to John Grisham: keep up the good work!

I liked this book about greed, manipulation, serenity and redemption.

Grisham's first chapter sucks the reader into the story like few beginnings I have encountered. The first person perspective of a bitter and lonely billionaire who plots his revenge on his children even as he has plotted his own death is riviting.

When the story moves to inland Brazil, Grisham's narrative excels at explaining a remote yet beautiful land that few are aware exists. His characters likewise are well developed and beleivable in their roles. His portrayal of the several amoral lawyers borders on the hilarious and will serve to confirm many people's stereotypes of members of the bar.

What separates this novel from othe works of Grisham is the presence of God in the life of several of the characters. Religion is a positive influence on those it touches in the story and serves as the fulcrum upon which the plot turns.

This is the first fiction book I can recall reading where the strong faith of several major characters is treated as a positive defining aspect of their lives. In my experience, when I have encountered religion at all in fiction, it usually is presented as a character defect or held up to demonstrate the hypocrisy of those who do not practice what they preach. Grisham's treatment of faith as a central aspect of character and motivational force is refreshing and much more representative of how it affects most religious people.

I read the book quickly over several days. Great opening, well developed and interesting characters, enough greed and money on the line to titilate and a good juxtaposition of faith and redemption. A winner.

What Grisham has managed to do with "The Testament", is masterfully combine an interesting legal plot within the streets of DC., and an emotionally involving one within the river ways in the Pantanal. In the same book, Lawyers and Clients engage in an intriguing courtroom battle, and a booze addict discovers what better life he can live under Christ through the teachings of a missionary deep within the Pantanal region in Brazil. I especially recommend this book to those religious at heart. The story is moving, however keeps the pages turning as the devious legal plot unfolds.

This has to be one of Grisham's finest. In short, it's about a billionaire who sticks it to his kids one last time before his death. A lawyer grabs his fragile sobriety and heads into the depths of Brazil to find the sole heir. It's an interesting story with a few unexpected twists, but not too much of the legal tedium displayed in some of his earlier works. The depth to which the characters are developed is uncanny...you almost feel the heat of their emotions. It is as much a story on the trappings and failings (and somewhat rare triumphs) of our American culture as it is a story about the distrubution of a billionaires' estate. A great read, I hated for it to end.

Boy, am I glad I didn't see Amazon's reader reviews before I read this book. I would've been negatively influenced and I would never have given myself the opportunity to read one of the most enjoyable stories I've read in a long time. C'mon people, we're not talking Ayn Rand here...no deep, philosophical symbolism...this book is pure entertainment at it's finest. Take it for what it is and get lost in it. This book is lot of fun.

Another Great Grisham Novel

The Testament was one of the best books I've ever read. Although it was a little slow at some points, it proved to be interesting enough to capture my attention the entire time. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good novel, but especially to Grisham fans. The book begins with Troy Phelan, an eccentric multi-billionaire, announcing to his seven children and four ex-wives that he is going to sign a will. Because he can't stand any of his children or ex-wives, he deceives them, making them think that they will be mentioned in his will. In reality he signs a will giving the money to one heir: an illegitimate child that no one knew about who is living in Brazil. The book continues as Nate O'Reily, one of Phelan's lawyers tries to find this child and get her to sign the will. The best thing about this book is how real the characters become. You really come to hate Mr. Pehlan's children, grandchildren, and ex-wives because of their terrible personalities. You find yourself cheering Nate O'Reily on in his bouts with alcoholism and becoming worried when he is in danger. This is definitely a must-read.

The Testament is an action packed book complete with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is defenitely a book for all personalities and backgrounds because it gives us a glimpse of what life is all about. Just like many of John Grisham's novels, once you pick it up you won't be able to set it down.

I won't bore you with the previously mentioned details, but if you are looking for a great paperback book that is an exciting read... look no further. This is the first Grisham book I have read in about 4 years. I enjoyed the Firm and the Pelican Brief. I also enjoyed some of the film adaptations of his works. The Testament surpasses those previous works. The story touches on a themes we have read about before, greed, redemption, family, the law. But I never thought Grisham could pull off a novel of this quality. The usual twists and turns are here but unlike some of his previous works everything that happens here is fairly believable (no 'mob controlled' law firms or chases through parking garages). Just a simple story about some really messed up rich family who has lost everything ever given to them, a lawyer who has lost everything and a woman who has nothing material but everything spiritually and emotionally. The legal details here are excellent (as one might imagine)... but it is the description of the jungles, rivers and people of Brazil that blew me away. Finally, the way Grisham deals with the ideas of faith and religion are to be applauded. Though some might say he is, Grisham is not preaching in this novel...he is exploring the ideas of right and wrong and targeting the truly positive aspects of religion. As someone who doesn't necessary view himself as spiritual or religious, it touched me to faith portrayed in such an enjoyable manner. Bravo Grisham, I look forward to the Brethren.

Amazed to find so much of the Christian gospel in a secular publication; either John Grisham has decided his writing is the best medium to transmit the gospel or he's searching big-time! I loved Grisham novels anyway, but this was the icing on the cake for me!