A Child Outwits the Mafia

This is the first Grisham novel I have ever read and it won't be the last! I never thought that I would ever enjoy a mystery/suspense book. However, after watching the movie, I was compelled to read this book. Now, I plan to read Grisham's other novels.


SYNOPSIS OF PLOT

Mark and his eight year old brother, Ricky Sway, were goofing off in a wooded area near their trailer park when they encountered a man, a Mafia attorney, who was attempting to commit suicide via carbon monoxide poisoning. Street smart, 11 year old Mark attempted to prevent the man from committing suicide. The man, however, assaulted Mark and forced him into the car containing exhaust fumes with the intention of killing Mark while committing suicide. This man shares crucial information with Mark about the murder of a U.S. Senator, information that the F.B.I. needs to prosecute a key Mafia leader. Mark escapes and the man shoots himself.

Ricky, after witnessing this horrifying event, experiences severe post-traumatic stress. While, Ricky is in a coma with him mother at his bedside, Mark secures the legal representation of Reggie Love for a $1 retainer. Streetsmart Ricky and Reggie Love, are well aware of the danger he is in. The Mafia, the FBI, the Court, and reporters are all determined to get Mark to divulge the information he has; however, Mark does not divulge this information until the right time.


THE MAIN CHARACTERS

The two main characters are Mark Sway and Reggie Love. Both of these characters are strong, vibrant people. Grisham put a considerable amount of energy into carefully developing these characters. Mark is a child who is extremely mature for his age. He is very independent and witty. Some of his antics are extremely brilliant and funny.

Reggie is an attorney who truly puts the needs of the children she represents before her own. She has the qualities of an excellent attorney: trustworthy, assertive, and caring. She protected Mark just like he was her son. I found it to be very interesting that Reggie had a male secretary.


WRITING STYLE

In this book, Grisham provides a wonderful balance between describing what was happening to Mark, what the Mafia was planning, and what the FBI was attempting to do. My only criticism of this book (and this is a minor one) is that there was several times when Grisham switched from one of these three minor plots within the same chapter. I find it easier to read when there is a new chapter for each scene.

The reading level appeared to be around the 11th or 12th grade. An average adult would not have any difficulty comprehending the material in this book. However, it is not as easy to read as many romance books are. I feel that the reading level gave me somewhat of a challenge but not too much. It is possible that the challenges I had while reading this was because I really am not very interested in the workings of the Mafia so those parts were somewhat difficult for me to read.

Grisham has a knack for keeping his readers in suspense without unnecessary violence, profanity, or sexual escapades. There may have been a few profane words in the book but I can't remember any.


COMPARISON OF BOOK TO MOVIE

I really loved both the book and the movie. The plot in each were almost identical. However, 576 page book, Grisham was able to explain what was occurring in much more detail than was possible in the movie. While watching the movie, I was left with several questions. After reading the book, these questions were answered. On the other hand, I am not sure if I would have enjoyed the book as much if I had not seen the movie first.


SUGGESTIONS CONCERNING WHEN TO READ THIS BOOK

The best suggestion I can give you is to refrain from reading this book late at night when you need to get up in the morning. The reason is that you may have trouble putting the book down and may not get any sleep! I'd recommend reading this book any time you want a pleasant escape. Even though this book concerns a serious problem, it is presenting in an optimistic manner. At no point did I really think that Mark was going to die due to his positive attitude.