Grisham's Gripping. Review on Rain Maker, The - John Grisham

Let me start with a confession. I have read exactly two other John Grisham books before I decided to give this one a try. The only thing that attracted me to this book, was the title! The other two books I read being The Firm and The Chamber, one expects this one to be good too. And believe me, it does not let you down. The book is not too fast paced, has a few clichés and one predicts the ending, until Grisham comes up with a surprising twist at the finish.

The story starts with a brief description of the protagonist, Rudy Baylor, a not-too-bright-not-too-dumb law student who has been left to fend for himself all his life. Technically though not an orphan, he doesn?t have anyone to fall back upon. Reaching the end of his course, Rudy is in a fix ? he is about to be thrown out of his apartment, he doesn?t have a job, he has a bar exam to clear and is obviously, totally broke.

There is only one thing that he has in his hands, an insurance dispute which has devastated a family and opens the doors for a lawsuit --- if only Rudy can file the case in court. So to support himself, Rudy unwillingly joins the office of a sleazy lawyer, does yard work to pay his rent and ultimately when he files the lawsuit, he has a whole bunch of heavyweight, experienced lawyers from a renowned firm against him. Suing for millions, if Rudy wins the case, he will be the biggest rainmaker in town! So, will he manage to bring justice?

Apart from the legal procedures, the maneuverings, the lies, deceit and the revelations there is a slight hint of romance between Rudy and a young woman, who has to deal with her domestic problems.

The book maybe slow, but it?s never boring. Grisham has brilliant story-telling skills and am not the first to vouch for that. The courtroom drama is not overtly dramatic, it is realistic at the same time gripping. One will definitely get to like the character called Rudy ? you will be happy at his triumphs and empathize with him during his tough times.

What I liked about the book most was that, it is not strictly a courtroom story, with Rudy just as a character. It is the story of how Rudy?s life is affected by his first lawsuit and hence, all the stories about his past and present seem relevant. It never portrays him as a hero who knows the answers to all questions, but he just as another average human being who tries his best to win over all his troubles. When he contemplates a life of luxury, some ten years down the lane, one just cannot avoid identifying with him.

I cannot compare this work of Grisham?s with his others, because I myself am new to this author, but I can definitely say one thing ? in course of time I will be in a position to compare his creations because I have resolved to read the whole of his series of books, thanks to The Rainmaker.