The Reckoning – Colleen Hoover: I am going to provide you an honest review of The Reckoning.
John Grisham’s novel The Reckoning is a powerful and suspenseful thriller that takes readers on a journey through the Jim Crow South, the jungles of the Philippines during World War II, and a small town courtroom in Clanton, Mississippi. The story centers around Pete Banning, a decorated World War II hero and patriarch of a prominent family who, one cool October morning in 1946, committed a shocking crime in Clanton.
Pete Banning was a well-respected and beloved member of his community, but when he drove into town one morning and shot his local Methodist pastor, there seemed to be no motive for his actions. Pete’s only statement about the crime was, “I have nothing to say.” He was not afraid of death and seemed willing to take his motive to the grave.
The novel is told through various perspectives, including those of Pete’s family, his defense attorney, and the people of Clanton. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through Pete’s past, including his time serving in the Philippines during World War II. We learn that Pete witnessed and participated in horrific events during his time in the war, which left a lasting impact on him.
As the trial approaches, tensions rise in Clanton, with many people believing that Pete deserves the death penalty for his crime. His defense attorney, however, is determined to save his client’s life, even as Pete refuses to speak about his motive.
The Reckoning is not just a murder mystery and courtroom drama, but also a family saga. The novel delves into the complexities of family relationships, including the strained relationship between Pete and his daughter, who is determined to uncover the truth about her father’s crime. As the trial progresses, secrets are revealed that have been buried for years, adding layers of complexity to the story.
Throughout the novel, Grisham expertly weaves together themes of war, race, mental illness, and redemption. The Reckoning is reminiscent of the finest tradition of Southern Gothic storytelling, with its richly drawn characters and atmospheric setting.
Grisham’s signature layers of legal suspense are also on full display in this novel. The courtroom scenes are expertly crafted, with tension building as the trial progresses. The outcome of the trial is not predictable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Overall, The Reckoning is a masterful work of suspense and storytelling. Grisham’s ability to craft a compelling and intricate plot, while also exploring complex themes and character relationships, is on full display in this novel. It is a must-read for fans of Grisham’s work, as well as anyone who enjoys a gripping and thought-provoking thriller.
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Genre of The Reckoning – John Grisham
The Reckoning by John Grisham can be classified as a legal thriller, a historical fiction, and a Southern Gothic novel. The story is primarily a legal thriller, as it follows the trial of Pete Banning for the murder of his local pastor. However, it also delves into historical events, particularly Pete’s experiences in the Philippines during World War II. The Southern Gothic elements are evident in the atmospheric setting of Clanton, Mississippi, and the richly drawn characters with complex relationships.
The book, The Reckoning is considered one of John Grisham’s masterpieces.
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READ ALSO: John Grisham Books In Order
What are the The Reckoning Characters?
- Pete Banning: A World War II hero, patriarch of the Banning family, and the main protagonist of the novel.
- Liza Banning: Pete’s daughter who is determined to uncover the truth about her father’s crime.
- Sheriff Maples: The local sheriff who investigates the murder of the Methodist pastor.
- Harry Rex Vonner: Pete’s defense attorney.
- Judge Omar Noose: The judge presiding over Pete’s trial.
- General MacArthur: The commander of the American forces in the Philippines during World War II, where Pete served.
- Tully Sartain: A friend of Pete’s who helps him with his farming.
- Warren Masters: Liza’s husband, who struggles with his relationship with Pete.
- Callie Ruffin: Pete’s former love interest.
- Willie Traynor: The editor of the local newspaper who becomes involved in the trial.
The Reckoning – John Grisham Read Time
“The Reckoning” takes about 9 and a half hours to read, but if you have the audiobook, it can be listened to in about 6 and a half hours. The book is written by John Grisham and is great. It is short and easy to understand.
To begin, is a fantastic weekend read. If you’re one who enjoys recharging your energies during the holidays, you’ll find “The Reckoning” very helpful.
The Reckoning – John Grisham – Details
- Publisher : Hodder & Stoughton, London; 1st edition (January 1, 2018)
- Language : English
- ISBN-10 : 1473684382
- ISBN-13 : 978-1473684386
- Item Weight : 1.46 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.38 x 1.5 x 9.45 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #3,262,323 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #218,530 in Thrillers & Suspense (Books)
About John Grisham
John Grisham is an American author and former lawyer, born on February 8, 1955, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Grisham practiced law for nearly a decade before turning to writing, and his first novel, “A Time to Kill,” was published in 1989. Since then, he has written over 40 novels, many of which have become bestsellers.
Grisham has won many awards for his writing, including the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Thriller and the Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award. His net worth is estimated to be over $350 million.
Recap of what we just learned
- The Reckoning – John Grisham
- Genre of The Reckoning by John Grisham
- How to get free The Reckoning – John Grisham?
- What are the The Reckoning Characters?
- The Reckoning – John Grisham Read Time
- The Reckoning – John Grisham – Details
- About John Grisham – A Short Biography
CONCLUSION
The Reckoning is a masterful work of suspense and storytelling that explores complex themes and character relationships. Grisham expertly weaves together elements of legal suspense, historical fiction, and Southern Gothic to create a compelling and thought-provoking novel. The characters are richly drawn and the atmospheric setting of Clanton adds depth and complexity to the story. Overall, The Reckoning is a must-read for fans of Grisham’s work and anyone who enjoys a gripping and intricate thriller.
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Did you read “The Reckoning” by John Grisham on the way? Which one are you reading—and how similar are they? If you like The Reckoning, you should read these books in the same genre.
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