The Testament

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.

I loved The Rainmaker and The Client but could not put this one down. Grisham scores again as one of the greats

Neighbor wrote that Book Club loved it. I am not a book club person. Read the reviews online and thought "what the keck". It was very interesting. Near the beginning when one person was going to a foreign country and the description of his travel went on and on. So I skipped about 4 pages. I really enjoyed the rest. Interesting what money does to people, and this was well written. The ending was not what I expected it would be. It does not leave you in suspense as you can imagine how life will be for all. I would recomment.

Catching up on my reading now that I am retired and have some time. Enjoyed the book, while not in Brazil, I am traveling and reading this book in area’s that made we relate to parts of the books travel stories! That being said, unfortunately while there were twists and turns - I figured out the ending before the ending. I always prefer to be surprised. Not this time for me. But still recommend the book.

A story that could have been told (better) in half as many pages. Like a long walk off a short pier.