The Reckoning by John GrishamMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book contains 3 parts. The first and second part are two different stories told in reverse chronological order and then in the 3rd part, the first story continues. Confused yet? In typical Grisham style, a mystery is introduced in the first part that compels you to keep reading hoping for a big reveal. Grisham has been known to throw a curve at the end of his novels. I have read nearly every adult novel from this author and the first and third part are very typical of many of his books - a legal case set in rural Mississippi. Where this one differs is part 2 where we get some very detailed descriptions of a soldier's experiences fighting the Japanese during WWII. I have to say, that if Grisham's accounts are historically accurate I can understand why the hatred for the Japanese was so high during and following the war. This part is sometimes difficult to read but very interesting from a historical perspective. I am afraid that it has almost no real significance to the other stories, however. Why was it included at all? Finally, my 3-star rating is due to only one thing. Although, a well written, lengthy narrative that compelled me to keep reading for over 400 pages, I felt the ending fell flat and the promised mystery was weak. Why would a man shoot in cold blood another man and then go to his execution refusing to give an explanation? I can't believe the reason is the one Grisham wrote into the ending. Even the expected slight twist was not enough to redeem the story. I felt cheated. The main character was a war hero and a well-respected member of the community and I just can't believe he would have killed a man for the reasons the author gives. - Thus only 3 stars.
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