Status
Checked out
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Island Books (1992), 515 pages
Description
Fiction. Literature. Suspense. Thriller. HTML:#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER â?˘ The master of the legal thriller probes the savage depths of racial violence in this searing courtroom drama featuring the beloved Jake Brigance. â??John Grisham may well be the best American storyteller writing today.â?ťâ??The Philadelphia Inquirer The life of a ten-year-old black girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless white men. The mostly white town of Clanton in Ford County, Mississippi, reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crimeâ??until the girlâ??s father acquires an assault rifle and takes justice into his own hands. For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his clientâ??s lifeâ??and then his own. Donâ??t miss any of John Grishamâ??s gripping books featuring Jake Brigance: A TIME TO KILL â?˘ SYCAMORE ROW â?˘ A TIME FOR M… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member skavlanj
I read this as A Famous Author's First Book on my reading list. I haven't read any other Grisham - only seen the movies The Firm and Runaway Jury, so I can't say whether his writing has improved. This story runs too long, has numerous details that do nothing for the plot and leaves a lot of loose
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ends in what is an unbelievable tale. The opening chapters use too many adjectives describing characters rather than scenes letting their character show. I especially struggled with the Klan in the early 80s doing things as they had in the 60s. And with the trial continuing in spite of an assassination attempt on lead counsel, a kidnapping of lead counsel's clerk and the fire-bombing of lead counsel's home. An easy read but not a recommendation. Show Less
LibraryThing member BALE
John Grisham's, first novel, "A Time to Kill", is of special interest, because it deals with ethical issues relating to race discrimination. It poses the moral question, what would you do under this set of circumstances, as a parent and then as a juror. Would you make the same decision if the
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person was white (in the book, the protagonist/ defendant was black). Grisham uses the voice of one of his (deadlocked) co- jurors to determine the fate of the defendant. It changes the mind of enough jurors to result in a "not guilty" verdict. We all feel and know that murder is wrong in any form. This novel forces is to consider what we are intrinsically against, when a decent, loving man, husband and father is faced with the brutal rape and beating of his nine year old daughter and takes justice in his own hands. Show Less
LibraryThing member lmackay3
This is the first of several Grisham books that I have read but this one made the greatest emotional impact on me. The reader can help but ask themselves about the ethical issues presented. It provides an opportunity to learn something about yourself as well as present a believable story about the
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injustices of the times. I'm not sure why my book list shows this as 2009? Show Less
LibraryThing member AdonisGuilfoyle
John Grisham for me is the Stephen King of 'legal suspense' fiction: the memory of reading his novels first time around is often way better than the experience of re-reading them again years later. I think I read most of his titles, up to A Painted House, but I thought A Time To Kill was a lot
Anyway, I think everyone knows the plot - a ten year old black girl is raped by two rednecks in a small Mississippi town, and her father, despairing of ever getting justice in the courts, shoots them both dead. Jake Brigance, Grisham's obnoxious young lawyer, is hired to defend him. Improbable, but suitably dramatic. What I think I forgot - or overlooked - was the high cliche count, and just how crass the writing is. Jake is a pig, for a start. Not a colourful character who the reader loves to hate, because Grisham obviously wants everyone to love him, but a pig. His historic house is burned down, along with his daughter's dog, and his response is along the lines of 'Meh'. His improbably attractive and intelligent assistant is dragged into the woods, tied to a pole, stripped and assaulted, and Jake dismisses her trauma with 'She'll be fine'. The ten year old girl is also 'fine' by the end of the novel. The misogyny in this novel is almost as disgusting as the racism, the latter of which is mostly intentional but still nauseating to read. The 'n-word' is used 142 times, mostly by Jake and his friends.
Grisham has claimed to have been inspired by To Kill A Mockingbird, and I can see the determined similarities, but Grisham in not Harper Lee and Jake Brigance isn't worthy to carry Atticus Finch's briefcase. I'm also a little depressed that the same level of obviously racism exists in both eras (and into today). Now I'm just annoyed that I downloaded this along with the sequel Sycamore Row!
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better than it actually is. Although, this was Grisham's first novel (and it shows). Maybe I'm thinking of The Pelican Brief.Anyway, I think everyone knows the plot - a ten year old black girl is raped by two rednecks in a small Mississippi town, and her father, despairing of ever getting justice in the courts, shoots them both dead. Jake Brigance, Grisham's obnoxious young lawyer, is hired to defend him. Improbable, but suitably dramatic. What I think I forgot - or overlooked - was the high cliche count, and just how crass the writing is. Jake is a pig, for a start. Not a colourful character who the reader loves to hate, because Grisham obviously wants everyone to love him, but a pig. His historic house is burned down, along with his daughter's dog, and his response is along the lines of 'Meh'. His improbably attractive and intelligent assistant is dragged into the woods, tied to a pole, stripped and assaulted, and Jake dismisses her trauma with 'She'll be fine'. The ten year old girl is also 'fine' by the end of the novel. The misogyny in this novel is almost as disgusting as the racism, the latter of which is mostly intentional but still nauseating to read. The 'n-word' is used 142 times, mostly by Jake and his friends.
Grisham has claimed to have been inspired by To Kill A Mockingbird, and I can see the determined similarities, but Grisham in not Harper Lee and Jake Brigance isn't worthy to carry Atticus Finch's briefcase. I'm also a little depressed that the same level of obviously racism exists in both eras (and into today). Now I'm just annoyed that I downloaded this along with the sequel Sycamore Row!
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LibraryThing member TinyDancer11
A fantastic (and very real) depiction of a father whose young daughter is brutally raped. I went through a wave of emotions while reading. Throughout the book I was pissed, heartbroken, excited and touched...which means the author did a fantastic job.
LibraryThing member seldombites
This book begins with a shockingly graphic account of the brutal rape of ten-year-old Tonya Hailey. It then tracks the fallout of this crime before reverting to a highly charged courtroom drama. This is the first book John Grisham wrote and the first of his books that I read. In my opinion, it is
The controversy in Clanton after Carl Lee's action causes us to search our own hearts and souls. What would we have done if Tonya were our daughter? How would we vote if we were on the jury? Would we, in our deepest souls feel differently if he were white?
I am not a big fan of Grisham generally but I love A Time to Kill. I have read it several times and still feel the thrills and suspense long after other novels become old hash. This is a book that should be on everyone's reading list.
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also the best.The controversy in Clanton after Carl Lee's action causes us to search our own hearts and souls. What would we have done if Tonya were our daughter? How would we vote if we were on the jury? Would we, in our deepest souls feel differently if he were white?
I am not a big fan of Grisham generally but I love A Time to Kill. I have read it several times and still feel the thrills and suspense long after other novels become old hash. This is a book that should be on everyone's reading list.
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LibraryThing member bendzgerona
First novel I ever read. T'was given by mother back in freshman high school. A bargain buy (previously owned) but a priceless treasure for me. Nice story as well.
LibraryThing member Babygirl25661
This book will always be my favorite from Grisham. It definelty has you thinking. There is no way you can read this book and not ask yourself what you would do if you were put into that kind of situation. I was in a trance until i finally finished it. This is one was of those books that had me
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thinking about it days later. Great read!!! Show Less
LibraryThing member BraveKelso
Modern take on "To Kill a Mockingbird" and other courtroom mystery-dramas replete with violent revenge fantasies.
LibraryThing member ChristopherTurner
Read it back to back with To Kill A Mockingbird, it's interesting to see how much of the language we've allowed in to mainstream culture that describes racial abuse. Read the Demon Haunted World right after, it would make some trilogy.
LibraryThing member mcollier
The main character, Jake Brigance, is, in my opinion, really arrogant and self centered. Apart from that, the plot is actually compelling and some of the minor characters are even funny. (Lucien, Jake's old boss, is hilarious!)
**SPOILER**
I don't think the jury was right to find Carl Lee not guilty.
**SPOILER**
I don't think the jury was right to find Carl Lee not guilty.
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He DID shoot the boys in cold blood. I know I'm supossed to feel sympathic that Tonya was raped, and I am, but that doesn't justify Carl Lee shooting them. It like saying it's ok to shoot some people as long as they are bad people. Show Less
LibraryThing member peeweeke
In this searing courtroom drama, best-selling author John Grisham probes the savage depths of racial violence... as he delivers a compelling tale of uncertain justice in a small southern town...
Clanton, Mississippi. The life of a ten-year-old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young
For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client's life... and then his own...
Clanton, Mississippi. The life of a ten-year-old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young
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man. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. Until her black father acquires an assault rifle and takes justice into his own outraged hands. For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client's life... and then his own...
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LibraryThing member sels61
My favorite Grisham book -- in my opinion, his best.
LibraryThing member ConnieJackson
Grisham's best book.
I think that "A Time To Kill" is Mr. Grisham's best book so far. I've read many of his other novels, some are great, and some are so-so, but this novel ranks at the top. It is full of different issues like rape, murder, kkk, racism, etc. The plot just keeps on building and
I recommend this book to all the folks. Enjoy it!
I think that "A Time To Kill" is Mr. Grisham's best book so far. I've read many of his other novels, some are great, and some are so-so, but this novel ranks at the top. It is full of different issues like rape, murder, kkk, racism, etc. The plot just keeps on building and
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building. Just when you think that it is about to slow down something else happens.I recommend this book to all the folks. Enjoy it!
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LibraryThing member Srapkins
Seth Rapkins
Summer Book Review
August 26, 2009
A Time to Kill
Over the summer, I read John Grisham’s novel A Time to Kill. This book is centered around an African American (Carl Lee Hailey) fighting against racism and prejudice in the U.S. court system, with the help of his Lawyer, Jake Brigance.
The book really hits the ground running, setting the stage before going into details and fully painting the background. It opens with a vivid description of a rape crime committed by two rural white men. They try to dispose of her (a ten year old black girl) after they are finished by throwing her off of a bridge, but fortunately she is spotted by fishermen and rushed to the hospital. The graphic descriptions of the horrible crime really help you understand how the father feels. The two who are guilty are found quickly due to their tendencies to brag about their crimes. While they are awaiting arraignment, Carl Lee Hailey (the girl’s father) shoots both of them for fear that the court system will not adequately punish them. Carl Lee Hailey is arrested soon after and selects Jake Brigance for his lawyer. From that point on, the town is almost completely divided between the people who think Carl’s actions were justified and those who want to see him punished. Grisham builds the suspense perfectly as the war escalates further from control as the Ku Klux Klan and even people from outside the county become evolved. Characters are built up and explained in great detail, as John Grisham continually paints more vividly the setting that the stunning events unfold in. Grisham can do this exceptionally well because of his introspect into the thoughts and fears of almost every character, even members of the KKK, while still leaving holes in the story large enough that mystery and suspense can also fit in. He even allows the reader into the thoughts of the judge, jurors, prosecuting attorney, and of course, the suspect (Hailey) to give the reader an idea of what is going on.
All of these elements that are essential to a mystery/suspense novel are effortlessly woven together to form the grand scheme. (Which I’ll try to not completely blow away) The only complaint I have for this book is that the ending left a lot of holes that that I would have liked to see resolved, but this is only really noticed when you are over thinking it as much as I am. Due to an excellent and dynamic plot, this I one of the best-written and most enjoyable books I have ever read. I would recommend it to anyone interested in suspense novels, or just good books.
Summer Book Review
August 26, 2009
A Time to Kill
Over the summer, I read John Grisham’s novel A Time to Kill. This book is centered around an African American (Carl Lee Hailey) fighting against racism and prejudice in the U.S. court system, with the help of his Lawyer, Jake Brigance.
Show More
This book is packed with suspense, twists, and action as the small town of Stratford is turned into a battlefield over one controversial killing.The book really hits the ground running, setting the stage before going into details and fully painting the background. It opens with a vivid description of a rape crime committed by two rural white men. They try to dispose of her (a ten year old black girl) after they are finished by throwing her off of a bridge, but fortunately she is spotted by fishermen and rushed to the hospital. The graphic descriptions of the horrible crime really help you understand how the father feels. The two who are guilty are found quickly due to their tendencies to brag about their crimes. While they are awaiting arraignment, Carl Lee Hailey (the girl’s father) shoots both of them for fear that the court system will not adequately punish them. Carl Lee Hailey is arrested soon after and selects Jake Brigance for his lawyer. From that point on, the town is almost completely divided between the people who think Carl’s actions were justified and those who want to see him punished. Grisham builds the suspense perfectly as the war escalates further from control as the Ku Klux Klan and even people from outside the county become evolved. Characters are built up and explained in great detail, as John Grisham continually paints more vividly the setting that the stunning events unfold in. Grisham can do this exceptionally well because of his introspect into the thoughts and fears of almost every character, even members of the KKK, while still leaving holes in the story large enough that mystery and suspense can also fit in. He even allows the reader into the thoughts of the judge, jurors, prosecuting attorney, and of course, the suspect (Hailey) to give the reader an idea of what is going on.
All of these elements that are essential to a mystery/suspense novel are effortlessly woven together to form the grand scheme. (Which I’ll try to not completely blow away) The only complaint I have for this book is that the ending left a lot of holes that that I would have liked to see resolved, but this is only really noticed when you are over thinking it as much as I am. Due to an excellent and dynamic plot, this I one of the best-written and most enjoyable books I have ever read. I would recommend it to anyone interested in suspense novels, or just good books.
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LibraryThing member adeej
Another great read from John Grisham. This book took me quite a while to read but that wasn't the fault of the author. I was just really busy and didn't have much time for leisure reading. The end was as I predicted, which was ok, because that's the way I really wanted the story to end. Although
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that was predictable, there were some exciting twists and turns along the way that definitely kept my attention up. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good court thriller. Show Less
LibraryThing member Blazingice0608
One of the authours best, the only reason it loses a star is that the ending felt rather rushed to me, it didnt live up to the wonderful detail and characterzation that was given in the first 500-600 pages of the book. With that being said though, its still a great book with a lot of controversial
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legal and racial issues embedded in it. Show Less
LibraryThing member sholt2001
While there is some interest in the plot, the conclusion is predictable and trite in an after-school special way. This book begs comparison to To Kill a Mockingbird and comes off looking like a cheap imitation lacking the moral integrity of the original.
LibraryThing member DaveJeanRalston
excellent story, very griping end. Great movie.
LibraryThing member Anagarika-Sean
A great first novel! Mr. Grisham couldn't have done better.
LibraryThing member robbee49
This book may not be around my age level when it comes to prespective students, but I would recommend that in a lifetime that a person reads it. It shows heart and love and dedication to family. It shows to never back down, and fight for family. Regardless what the law and statistics says you can
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fight for what you think is right, just make sure that the meaning behind it is worth the possibility of going to jail. Show Less
LibraryThing member obrien.341
I loved this book! I've read a few other Grisham books, and this one is definitely my favorite! It was extremely intense and gripping from beginning to end as it depicted a story of racial violence in the deep south and the desire for justice.
LibraryThing member Lizparker
When a young black girl is raped and tortured in a small Mississippi town, her father, a vietnam vet, cold bloodedly executes the white men responsible in the courthouse. Full of questions about the inequality of black versus white, and racism in the south, I think the core message is what would
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any of us do for their child.Grishams best novel to date, it is one I have read more than twice. Show Less
LibraryThing member phyllis01
Grisham's first legal thriller. Underappreciated.
LibraryThing member tallyprosence
This is by far one of my all time favorite books, and my favorite of Grisham's. This book is filled with surprises, and always keeps you guessing and on your feet! This is another book that I couldn't put down, finishing it in less than two days.
The character's in this book are drastically
The character's in this book are drastically
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diverse, and are each filled with their own personality that adds so perfectly to the story. The politics of this book make you think hard about your views. John Grisham has created a masterpiece, along with an intriguing and sacred plot that makes you want to jump into it yourself! Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1989
Physical description
515 p.; 4.17 inches
ISBN
0440211727 / 9780440211723