A Time to Kill

Overview:The life of a ten-year-old girl is shattered by two drunken and remorseless young men. The mostly white town reacts with shock and horror at the inhuman crime. That is, until her black father acquires an assault rifle and takes matters into his hands.

For ten days, as burning crosses and the crack of sniper fire spread through the streets of Clanton, the nation sits spellbound as young defense attorney Jake Brigance struggles to save his client’s life, and then his own.

Pages: 738

Writer: John Grisham

Recommendations: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown – 1st To Die By James Patterson

Review By: Jason Schulte

Rating: 2 Star

I delved into this book fully aware of the uncomfortable moments it contained. The story revolves around a lawyer and his client, a father faced with a situation no parent would ever want to experience. The heart-wrenching tale explores the struggle to reconcile the brutal rape of his daughter, with the lawyer, Jake Brigance, at the center of it all.

As I immersed myself in the narrative, I found myself grappling with the plot. It appeared as though the story was striving to paint a picture of a heroic figure – a protagonist who, despite facing adversity like his house being burnt down, his dog killed, and being shot at, would ultimately triumph over his adversary. However, instead of rising to the occasion, Jake Brigance finds himself drowning in alcohol, shutting down at crucial moments, and displaying stubbornness when he should be seeking help.

In the end, the story lacked the satisfying resolution one would anticipate after all the suspenseful buildup. It’s like ordering a gourmet meal and receiving a microwave dinner – a bit disappointing, to say the least.