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sinimini's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
stanleys1's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
iniye's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
meesm's review against another edition
3.0
Audio - good book to listen to while working outside; usual intrigue of a Grisham book
cholderly's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
crimsonpermanentassurance's review against another edition
3.0
Enh. I didn't love or hate this book, and maybe that's the issue: If I had hated it, I'd at least feel something. Not a bad way to pass the time, but it never really went anywhere, finishing with what felt like a Michael Crichton style ending.
m1nni's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
dimgiav's review against another edition
3.0
Some time ago, i entered a multistore in my area. I was just browsing books, when this book caught my eye. I took it in my hands to take a look at it. When i saw writers name, a had a feeling that i know this name.
«John Grisham? John Grisham? I know him for sure…», i thought. It felt like, i’ve heard of him, before. Of course! It’s the write of «Pelican Brief», the book that, the 1993 homonymous film, was based on. As i start to read it, it felt like i was the main protagonist and i was commiserated with him.
The book is about a big-time lawyer called Joel Blackman, which is entangled with goverment secret and some strange coincidences, involving White House, the secret agencies of several countries (CIA, FBI, Mosad etc.) and a group of hackers.
The writer narrates in the third person , so his way , does not potentially confuses, the reader.
After six years in prison for illegal possession of confidential documents, Joel Backman, suddenly gets pardoned by outgoing President , after a request from CIA. He is released from prison, but now, he must live in Italy with a new name and a new identity , while CIA is protecting him(?)
The case is unfolding in Bologna, Italy, Where the author – narrator describes the entire city with tremendous accuracy. From the city monuments to the shops!
This book has all the elements of a good spy story! Double-crossing, manhunt, disguise, even a love story.
5/5 stars from me.
«John Grisham? John Grisham? I know him for sure…», i thought. It felt like, i’ve heard of him, before. Of course! It’s the write of «Pelican Brief», the book that, the 1993 homonymous film, was based on. As i start to read it, it felt like i was the main protagonist and i was commiserated with him.
The book is about a big-time lawyer called Joel Blackman, which is entangled with goverment secret and some strange coincidences, involving White House, the secret agencies of several countries (CIA, FBI, Mosad etc.) and a group of hackers.
The writer narrates in the third person , so his way , does not potentially confuses, the reader.
After six years in prison for illegal possession of confidential documents, Joel Backman, suddenly gets pardoned by outgoing President , after a request from CIA. He is released from prison, but now, he must live in Italy with a new name and a new identity , while CIA is protecting him(?)
The case is unfolding in Bologna, Italy, Where the author – narrator describes the entire city with tremendous accuracy. From the city monuments to the shops!
This book has all the elements of a good spy story! Double-crossing, manhunt, disguise, even a love story.
5/5 stars from me.
ema_ab's review against another edition
4.0
It was interesting to learn about Bologna and Italian culture. I liked the multiple locations. However... I just really don't like Grisham's writing style. It is the second book of his that I tried to read, but only because I promised someone to finish I did. The writing style is very slow, distant, with an excruciatingly long and not gripping beginning. So my advice is - try it. If you love it, you got a great author with many books. If 20 pages in you are not into it, don't try Grisham again. I know I won't.
all_piss_and_vinegar's review against another edition
2.0
I found I wanted to get to the end but I can't decide if that is because I wanted to know what would happen or because it meant I could start a different book!