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FICTION Unlike Grisham’s other novels, this one experiments with characters and pace. SAMVITHA RAM

Title: The Litigators

Author: John Grisham

Publisher: Hachette India

Price: Rs. 350

Another of Grisham’s classic law-trial-thriller style books, The Litigators is about the partners of a small-time firm ‘Finley & Figg’ and their first time in the *big leagues’, so to speak, as they face Varrick Labs in a mass tort case.

First timers

The problem? Neither lawyer has ever actually stepped into court before, except to settle ‘quickie’ divorces. What’s worse, there might not be anything wrong with the drug, Krayoxx, for which they are suing Varrick. As the book progresses, the two old-school lawyers are joined by a confused young Harvard Law School graduate, David, and the three set off on a path leading to unexpected avenues; both in their social and professional lives. As regular readers know, it’s not Grisham until there have been at least 250 pages of gripping, fast-paced law and action.

Refreshing change

This time, however, there is a change. Grisham, for the first time, shows small-time street lawyers, struggling to make ends meet by *chasing ambulances’ as the phrase goes; running after every accident and injury looking for someone who wants to sue. It’s a refreshing read, since it doesn’t focus on the same old *lawyer knows best’ theme. Furthermore, it shies away from too much court-room drama and instead shows more ‘behind-the-scenes’ drama letting the reader understand the personal motivations behind the character’s actions.

Bottomline: Love Grisham? This is the book for you. Never read Grisham? This is the book for you, too.

Samvitha is a student of the American International School.

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