Introduction

“He returned to Ford County, and the retribution began…”

*Sigh* Where to begin?

I am writing this review with a heavy heart. Half hoping there should have been more to the story, half relieved it was a story my heart could handle.

Before this week, I never knew about the brilliance of Grisham. I was too engrossed in the story; something I never knew someone is capable of doing.

I reached for the book hoping I could take a glimpse of how great authors write stories. Hoping I could pull off the same feat myself. Hoping to mirror their brilliance.

Keep dreaming, Roselle. I know I still have a long road ahead before I become someone as magnificent as them. But a girl has got to dream. And I will keep on dreaming (and improving).

Enough with the praises.

I’ve always said this to myself before: I’ve learned that great movies (now I know it also applies to books) leave you with something. It could be anger, a slight pinch in the heart, a peaceful heart, or a happy soul. In other words, it leaves you with emotions. Finishing the book felt the same way I finished watching the movie “Lady Bird”. I do not have the exact words to explain the feeling, but it was a feeling of contentment. This time, I feel a mix of home and growing.

So, to summarize my commentary, here are three things I liked best in the Last Jury:

1. Lovely Characters

Tonight, I will be dreaming of Miss Ellie, Willie Traynor and Harry Rex.

This book has lovely characters you couldn’t help but love and remember. Even the antagonist, Danny Padgitt, is extraordinaire. At some point, I wanted to hate him for the crimes he has done, but then part of me wants to just forgive him.

I feel as if I was part of the townsfolk in Clanton who were eager to sentence Danny on the death row or in the prison for life. I hated him. But ten years later, all I ever want to do is to move on. Why bother with old news?

Willie, however, is a figure I would like to replicate. His fearlessness, stupidity, and bravery for creating stories and finding opportunities way out of his road is a trait I want to own.

The Last Juror is a story that will forever be imprinted on my memory. These lovely characters are the alleged suspects.

2. The small peaceful town of Clanton

Willie never wanted to leave. I never thought I would come to love the town as well.

At first, it felt ordinary.

I even thought it was a boring town, with gossips everywhere – the typical barrio setting in the Philippines.

But having been exposed to every story, whether they are tragic or joyous, the town made an impression in me.

The town was peaceful, but it felt like home. Who would ever want to leave home?

3. A story my heart could take

When all the courtroom drama ended in the first part of the book, I was too scared to start on the next part. I had to stop and take a breath.

I was not sure whether I could take more of the thrill.

I’m not entirely sure whether I was relieved or disappointed that the next parts did not have the action I was anticipating (mind you, there were a lot of other actions but what I think I’m saying is that on the next parts,  you get the chance to take a break).

Conclusion

Had the story turned out differently, I would have had a heart attack.

The thrill just kept on building, and as if I was part of the jury, I never felt safe at all. Always wary of what could happen next, should the antagonist get out of his damned jail.

The story left me with emotions. I am convinced it will take me at least a few more weeks or another good book to shake it all away from my heart.

Thank you, Mr. Graham for the wonderful world you’ve built in the Last Juror. I’m looking forward to reading more of your books, soon.

What about you? Have you read the book? If so, then what emotions did you feel and what did you think of the book? Let me know in the comments below 😉

This is a book review of The Last Juror by Mr. John Grisham.