A Painted House

A complete departure on theme from any of John Grisham's previous novels shouldn't detract from the reading enjoyment to be gained from this, his latest book. Mr Grisham relates the events of summer 1952, in the life of Luke Chandler, a 7 year old only child in the year 1952 in rural Baptist-dominated Arkansas. From this seemingly innocent platform, Mr Grisham builds in all of the devices which contribute to a modern-day best-selling novel ; romance, sex, violence, family intrigue, religious and sporting tensions, combined with the uncertainty of outcome. In doing so, Mr Grisham has, once again, demonstrated that he has the insight and capability to conjure an imaginative tale incorporating all of the above into an entertaining and descriptive piece of modern fictional literature and with his story-telling gift, the book has all the ingredients to be another best-seller. He has written a simple, but good story with sensitivity and wit (I laughed out loud at the "shitsnake" event). Having been a "wee boy", albeit many years ago, I could relate to all the youthful pressures, aspirations, dreams , sensitivities and insensitivities experienced by Luke, the subject of the story. Mr Grisham has written a clever, touching and intriguing book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. In some respects, it was a bit like a serious Adrian Mole, but with early rural American overtones. Having read all of his previous novels, I was pleased to find that he could remain as entertaining a novelist outside of his specialty of themes centred on the law.

I haven't read any of Grisham's legal thrillers as they're not really the kind of thing I normally enjoy, but I picked this up because I'd heard it was different and it seemed more my type of book. I wasn't disappointed. I've never read anything that captures a time and a place as well as this does.It has much in common with 'To Kill a Mockingbird' - set in the American south, narrated by a child, superb characterization. It's almost as good too, which is really saying something.If there's one weakness I'd say that for a seven-year-old boy, this kid is really on the ball (and would he really have been so keen to see a girl bathing naked in the river at that age? I can't remember that far back, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt). And talking of balls, another minor complaint is that there was more about baseball than I really need to know. Other than that, it's a great novel.

Wanted the book in hard back made a mistake and ordered 2 copies but not an issue as will give one to my dad, good story line in this grisham novel not loved by all

Not one of his usual stories. An insight into life in the cotton belt in the 50s. Quite sensitive to the life of a seven year old.

I've read a lot of Grisham, but this is different to his usual writing. It's a good read, a tale told by a 7 year old boy. Not gripping or fast moving, but never-the-less a book that you cant put down. 'Homely' best describes it. Worth buying.