John Grisham

from Ben's mom

I just finished reading The Broker in record time. It didn't even make my current reading list on the blog. It would have been up one day and down two days later. I guess compared to the plays of Euripides it made fast reading.

It was good stuff. First of all, it was largely centered in Italy--and well, if you've been to Italy, you know that it is a wonderful place with a great language and incredible food. We honeymooned there. The story is a good one too but I will let you read it for yourself.

I read little fiction, but I am a true Grisham fan. One thing I have noticed in his more recent novels is the way he incorporates Christian characters into his novels without being preachy. Though at least two of his novels (The Testament and The Last Juror) manage a real glimpse at the gospel, the thing that strikes me is that he makes his Christian characters out to be genuinely good people. They aren't preachy, they demonstrate grace, and they are true in novels that are often about people that have committed large crimes, and made a lot of money at others' expense. While it would take some re-reading to determine a character for each of his recent novels, I particularly noticed this feature in The Last Juror and The Broker. The Christian character in The Broker is much more subtle (Lisa and also perhaps Neal) but is full of forgiveness and open-hearted grace.

It reminds me of a quote--roughly paraphrased--that Christian writers should be able to just write what they see and not try to manipulate it, because they recognize that God is in control and they don't need to try to control things. I think Dorothy Sayers said it, but Dana R would be the one who would know for sure.

Grisham's main characters are usually people who deserve the worst and somehow manage to experience a touch of grace, a second chance, and a fresh start. Isn't that what we've all been given?