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Sycamore Row: by John Grisham -- Sidekick
THIS IS NOT THE NOVEL BY JOHN GRISHAM.
Fans of John Grisham are excited about his very first sequel, Sycamore Row, which follows the characters and setting of A Time to Kill. If you are looking for a deeper reading experience, then this analysis is the perfect companion.
In Sycamore Row, we return to the character of Jake Brigance and the town of Clanton, Mississippi. With the Carl Lee Hailey case well behind him, Jake is frustrated and bored with the status of his professional life. But as he immerses himself in defending a will during an intense jury trial against powerful opponents, he gets out of the professional doldrums. The experience seems to breathe new life into his personal affairs, as well.
John Grisham crafts a tale of revenge and forgiveness with a gentler voice than in A Time to Kill. Fans will appreciate Grisham's range, as the reader enjoys the building tension as Jake does battle without the threat of death hanging over his head.
With this analysis, you will gain a better understanding of the characters and plot while receiving rich insight into the novel's themes and symbolism. Examine Grisham's writing style to see how he expertly builds tension in ways not seen in his previous works. This analysis covers an in-depth view of the setting, including the location, time period, and social issues. A convenient character reference list helps you keep track of the entire cast in Sycamore Row. The chapter-by-chapter analysis covers the plot while adding insightful details. Spoiler alerts tell you when to stop in case you are reading this analysis along with the book. Learn what drives each key character while you explore the major themes and symbols throughout the novel. Challenge your mind with the discussion questions and responses at the end of the analysis.
Get the most out of your reading with the help of an expert's perspective while you enjoy Sycamore Row by John Grisham.
Fans of John Grisham are excited about his very first sequel, Sycamore Row, which follows the characters and setting of A Time to Kill. If you are looking for a deeper reading experience, then this analysis is the perfect companion.
In Sycamore Row, we return to the character of Jake Brigance and the town of Clanton, Mississippi. With the Carl Lee Hailey case well behind him, Jake is frustrated and bored with the status of his professional life. But as he immerses himself in defending a will during an intense jury trial against powerful opponents, he gets out of the professional doldrums. The experience seems to breathe new life into his personal affairs, as well.
John Grisham crafts a tale of revenge and forgiveness with a gentler voice than in A Time to Kill. Fans will appreciate Grisham's range, as the reader enjoys the building tension as Jake does battle without the threat of death hanging over his head.
With this analysis, you will gain a better understanding of the characters and plot while receiving rich insight into the novel's themes and symbolism. Examine Grisham's writing style to see how he expertly builds tension in ways not seen in his previous works. This analysis covers an in-depth view of the setting, including the location, time period, and social issues. A convenient character reference list helps you keep track of the entire cast in Sycamore Row. The chapter-by-chapter analysis covers the plot while adding insightful details. Spoiler alerts tell you when to stop in case you are reading this analysis along with the book. Learn what drives each key character while you explore the major themes and symbols throughout the novel. Challenge your mind with the discussion questions and responses at the end of the analysis.
Get the most out of your reading with the help of an expert's perspective while you enjoy Sycamore Row by John Grisham.
Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2013
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897 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 3, 2014
This is the best Grisham book I've read in a while. I love revisiting these Clanton characters and would love to see Grisham write more about Jake, Lucien, Harry Rex and Judge Atlee. There is a certain charm to this particular crowd that I would enjoy reading more tales. Ozzie too. This was a good story and obviously recounted the struggles of the south and the reemerging issues of race and justice. One can't help but feel the underlying current of racial tensions when Grisham tells this story about the contesting of a will. That's his wonderful talent. In spite of Jakes need to have the will upheld, race still plays another character in Clanton. Sometimes formulaic, Sycamore Row is one story that doesn't disappoint. It's thorough and ere are no loose ends. These are my favorite Grisham characters. I only wish he could write more about them.
December 30, 2013
I absolutely loved this sequel to A Time to Kill. I'm not going to put a review that has details about the plot as you can read that yourself easily. What I will do is wholeheartedly suggest you take time to read this book!!
August 15, 2014
This is a sequel to "A Time to Kill", and involves the further life story of the lawyer who successfully defended a black man accused of murder in the deep south in America.
A local man commits suicide leaving a handwritten will which leaves most of his fortune (which proves to be far, far more than anyone had realised) to his black housekeeper. He also writes a letter to the lawyer asking him to fight everyone to prove the validity of this will, and this book is the story of that battle. There are two children, a son in law, two ex-wives, and various grandchildren and a huge number of expensive lawyers on the opposite side, all trying to prove undue influence and mental incapacity. The hero is assisted by a ramshackle collection of local, small town lawyers and a long standing friendship with the judge in the case. Although I guessed the surprise twist at the end, it was excellent fun getting there!
A local man commits suicide leaving a handwritten will which leaves most of his fortune (which proves to be far, far more than anyone had realised) to his black housekeeper. He also writes a letter to the lawyer asking him to fight everyone to prove the validity of this will, and this book is the story of that battle. There are two children, a son in law, two ex-wives, and various grandchildren and a huge number of expensive lawyers on the opposite side, all trying to prove undue influence and mental incapacity. The hero is assisted by a ramshackle collection of local, small town lawyers and a long standing friendship with the judge in the case. Although I guessed the surprise twist at the end, it was excellent fun getting there!
February 6, 2014
Oops -- Back in December of 2013 I mistakenly reviewed "Analysis" of Sycamore Row, instead of the actual story, which is what I did read. Sorry. I moved my review to the correct book using cut and paste.
April 12, 2014
Excellent book from start to finish, keeps you guessing I why Seth was leaving his fortune to his African American house keeper of three years and not to his family you won't find out untl the end but well worth the wait
January 4, 2014
I nearly always enjoy John Grisham. This was no exception.
January 23, 2014
Not having read a John Grisham for some time I truly enjoyed the book. This is easy reading, a page turner, great escape literature.
March 20, 2014
I love John Grisham novels. This one did not disappoint.
November 15, 2014
A difficult tale, but as usual, a tale well told by Mr. Grisham.
August 2, 2022
Very good sequel! Sequels typically aren't as good, and that is also true with this book unfortunately. Don't get me wrong it is an amazing book, its just not as good as A Time to Kill. The plot is much weaker, however the continued character development is very good. Once again, the courtroom scenes are amazing.
February 2, 2023
Another fantastic read by Mr. Grisham. You always know the outcome … but not the twist at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the read & recommend the book to anyone who is a fan of crime, especially trial cases.
December 11, 2017
Wow! Best Grisham book I’ve ever read. All my bookie friends this one is for you!
September 9, 2020
Could be a tear jerker if made into a movie(a good tear jerker)
July 25, 2021
Excellent tale. Almost as good as first Jake Brigance.
August 22, 2021
Great story, parallel to A Time to Kill.
March 4, 2022
Best yet maybe!
January 18, 2024
Not his best by any means. If it wasn't for the excellent ending, it would have received 2 stars. Lots of plodding process with a few brilliant characters entwined. Good, but not great.
November 15, 2024
Spellbinding with many unexpected twists and turns. Who knew that a book about a case in Probate court could be so readable?
September 19, 2025
good story
Read
October 11, 2023Follows another case by the same lawyer, Jake, that was in A Time to Kill.
January 16, 2016
Set in the same town as A Time to Kill, this book is quintessential Grisham- lots of twists and turns in the plot, memorable characters, and triumph of principal over greed and sleaze. It's a book that's hard to put down!
December 30, 2013
This book was blatantly derivative and patronizing. I was disappointed.
February 8, 2014
Vintage Grisham! No higher compliment needed.
Read
February 28, 2014Excellent story
March 1, 2014
Wow!
I have read other books about wills and families. This is one of the best. Mississippi history; racism; greed and curiosity all come together to make a very good read.
I have read other books about wills and families. This is one of the best. Mississippi history; racism; greed and curiosity all come together to make a very good read.
June 20, 2014
This is the first John Grisham book I have read in years. I loved this one. Best since his first book.
Give us more of the same!
Give us more of the same!
June 23, 2014
What a good book. I loved the surprise ending.
September 29, 2014
Another good book.
July 15, 2014
Predictable
August 1, 2014
Good john Grisham. Nice use of legal to make a thriller
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews