bakerkathryn13's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.75
rachelbarese's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
andre_reads's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed the change of topic that Grisham went for in this book, but I have to I agree with all those reviews that say all the Italy stuff, and learning italian...it was not exactly necessary, and I think it would've been better if Grisham invested a little more time in the plot development. Even so, I enjoyed it, as I always do with this author!
mandarjoshi's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
sandst's review against another edition
4.0
My conscience and utter disgust at how despicably corrupt and sexist the characters are still couldn't stop me from turning the page. Despite my lack of love for the characters (which slowly turned to empathy), this espionage of a plot is quite fascinating. It might be over-the-top but my lack of knowledge with regards to the spy world and American politics made the story seem quite believable. Of course, there were numerous illogical circumstances but who am I to complain if they keep the story going? What I found annoying was why Grisham felt the need to place an irrelevant pretty woman in the plot, but it seems to be a trend with the very few books of his that I've read. And surprisingly, I found myself rooting for the supposedly incorrigible guy that had it coming for him in the first place.
ja_hopkins's review against another edition
4.0
An inept president agrees to an eleventh-hour request from the head of the CIA to pardon Joel Backman, a notorious Washington insider who was sentenced to twenty years in federal prison six years earlier. Backman had somehow obtained secrets that threatened national security. The man who once rubbed shoulders with the rich and powerful now lived in a tiny cell with no human contact. The pardon was unexpected to say the least, and he finds himself whisked off to Italy to hide. He is free, or so he thinks. However, the CIA have other ideas.
Overall, I rather like the story. It’s a fun take on witness protection in the early 2000’s. The author admits the story is largely an excuse to travel around Italy for a few months in the name of research. Although I read this when it came out, it’s a good re-read. The only quibble, which I had forgotten, is how often Mr. Grisham writes in Italian, the repeats it in English. It would be easier just to say he’s speaking Italian when he is learning. And as far as I am aware, Eurostar doesn’t go to Italy. But, don’t let that put you off – it’s a fun story about a man who is running, but does not know quite why.
Overall, I rather like the story. It’s a fun take on witness protection in the early 2000’s. The author admits the story is largely an excuse to travel around Italy for a few months in the name of research. Although I read this when it came out, it’s a good re-read. The only quibble, which I had forgotten, is how often Mr. Grisham writes in Italian, the repeats it in English. It would be easier just to say he’s speaking Italian when he is learning. And as far as I am aware, Eurostar doesn’t go to Italy. But, don’t let that put you off – it’s a fun story about a man who is running, but does not know quite why.
aspygirlsmom_1995's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
cahogan's review against another edition
4.0
Another John Grisham audiobook. Very different from his typically courtroom dramas and legal thrillers, and thoroughly enjoyed it!
marybarre's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
tinnytree's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty good thriller by Grisham without being amazing. I particularly liked the attention to detail while the main character was in Bologna in Italy. The main plot and ending was a bit lacklustre.