Rating: 
Summary: Take Up And Read!
Review: John Grisham, Take Up And Read THE GREAT DIVIDE. It's picturesque speech may remind you of the good solid writing with which you were once familiar. [And in case you think this work is a fluke, go back to one of Bunn's early works, "Promises To Keep," and you will see that this talent has been continually honed in each of his successive writings]. For example, the character of Gloria Hall is introduced on "a day draped about her like a dirty, steaming rag." Thus, begins Gloria's crusade to uncover the horror of the slave labor tactics being used at Factory 101 in China; and in doing so prove its collaboration with a giant conglomerate in America known as New Horizons. [Marcus Glenwood is the, "hollow core" of a man/lawyer who takes up the cause back home in Rocky Mount, North Carolina]. Bunn uses Gloria as the shining example of one who has crossed THE GREAT DIVIDE. As Deacon Wilbur explains in his sermon, "You got to work for something bigger, something finer, something eternal. You got to cross that great divide to make your work matter. . .The bridge across the great divide, oh yes, it is the infinite gift. The holy gift." But lest you think that Bunn's work is solely a 'religious one'--think again. This tale will keep you on the edge of your seat like no other thriller you've read, and in doing so, will have you thinking profoundly about its content. So John Grisham. . .all of you, TAKE UP AND READ! If for no other reason than to witness a exquisite handling of the English language:". . .[she]sounded as though she had gargled with bourbon and ashes." "Rumors are a sea you can drown in." "The day can only hold so many tears."
Rating: 
Summary: Powerful character portrayal
Review: Marcus Glenwood is a lawyer who had it all, big office, beautiful wife, and two perfect children. In a blink of an eye, life as he knew it is not only changed, it is shattered into a million pieces. As he struggles to become whole again, he agrees to take on the case of Gloria Hall, an American human rights activist who has disappeared after investigating a mysterious factory in China. Marcus has to take on New Horizon, an all powerful conglomerate which produces athletic clothing and shoes. He takes them to court and in the process starts to heal his own life. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeps you involved and caring about the characters. Each layer of character development is peeled away slowly, helping you to understand their actions. I enjoyed the story as well as the great character development. It is a believeable timely story. It reads a little slowly but I felt that was a good element to the story. Marcus does not know what he will find out either, we learn as he does. It works.
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Summary: Watch Out Grisham & Turow!
Review: Marcus Glenwood is rebuilding his life and legal practice after the tragic death of his young children and the divorce from his wife. He is asked to represent the parents of Gloria Hall, who believe she has been kidnapped in a prison-like shoe factory operated by New Horizons in China. With little physical evidence and not much on which to build a case, Marcus goes to court against the massive New Horizons, which seems to have tentacles and connections everywhere. New Horizons will stop at nothing to keep their secrets intact, and Marcus is threatened, beaten and attacked in his quest to expose the reprehensible practices of this monolithic company. The descriptions of labor practices in China paint a horrendous picture of inhumane treatment and are very timely in the current political climate. The legal intrigue surrounding Marcus' quest to reveal New Horizons' is fascinating in its details. But the real story here is the integrity of Marcus, Gloria's parents, the judge, and many other secondary characters who are deeply committed to doing the right thing. Bunn is also a master at skillfully building believable and empathetic secondary characters. Long before the book is over, you feel like you know these people and would like to spend more time with them. A fascinating story, well written, very entertaining, very informative. T. Davis Bunn has given Turow and Grisham some real competition in the legal thriller genre.
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Summary: THE BEST NOVEL THAT I HAVE EVER READ
Review: Mr. Bunn has written the best novel that I have ever read. It is full of mystery, intrigue, and passion for both life and virtue. T. Davis Bunn masterfully takes us into the life of a lawyer that has lost just about everything important in his life... only to find out that there are still things worth fighting for. I literally could not wait to get home at night and read this book. His connection to China Trade Issues and Human Rights violations is abosultely fascinating. This book gave me so much! I can't stop thinking about the characters and the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. This is a mystery right to the end. Kudos... Mr. Bunn! This book will stay with me for a long time.
Rating: 
Summary: Fraught with Errors
Review: Not only is this book a dissapointing read, it is also fraught with errors. The author happens to be from NC where the book takes place but fails to get his facts right about the setting. First of all, Rocky Mount is not between Raleigh and Zebulon, Hillsboro Street as he spells it should be Hillsborough St. There are no law offices in RTP. Anyone would be crazy to commute from Rocky Mount to RTP...it would take at least 2 hours with traffic. Rocky Mount is not a dump as he purports and the County dividing line is the railroad tracks, not the Tar River. Edgecombe was also the area that prospered first when the town was initially settled. Has anyone else out there realized these mistakes? PLease email me!
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Summary: Beautifully written!
Review: T. Davis Bunn captured my attention right away with The Great Divide. Solid research, haunting prose and a 100 mph story render this novel a thriller on many fronts. Highly recommended! --Lisa Samson, author of The Church Ladies.
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Summary: WOW...So believable it could have been based on true story
Review: T. Davis Bunn writes Christian novels as if they were mass market novels, and now he is writing mass market novesl with spiritual undertones. This talented author brings us the tale of large western corporations, corrupt government officials (OURS and THEIRS), and the tragic but power mix of young love mixed with spirituality and international political intrigue. Ironically, most of this volatile mix with global overtones, takes place on the wrong side of the tracks in North Carolina.
The Great Divide brings universal struggle into a 'down-home country' setting. Perhaps that's the meaning of the title: bringing the very real brutality of an Asian tyranny thousands of miles away into our homes, and showing how it effects everyone, and how, on some level, we're all complicent.
I am thrilled, and look forward to Bunn's sequel, Winner Take All.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read
Review: The Great Divide (polyical ) T. Davis Bunn DoubleDay - June2000 ISBN: 038549615X - Hardcover < Marcus Glenwood was a partner ina very prestigious corporate law firm until he was involved in a car accident that killed his children and almost killed his wife, who blames him and is divorcing him. Worst of all he blames himself and is living in his own private hell. Marcus decides to move back to his hometown of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, into the old Victorian manor that was his grandparents. Little did Marcus know that when he moved back to Rocky Mount, that the biggest and most difficult case of his lifetime would fall into his lap. The church of New Zion is that client. The church was founded with the first earnings of freed slaves, and Marcus successfully stops a court action made by a company that wants the churches historic cemetery relocated so they can build a factory in it's place. Marcus has won a battle against New Horizons Co., but the war is raging and it will not be so easy this time with the dirty tactics that New Horizons uses. This book is very well written with lots of lovely, caring characters. Dee Gautam, who works with Marcus, is a very enigmatic lady who provides Marcus with some very important info. Kristen is a young woman who has suffered her own family tragedy and whom Marcus finds himself drawn to. Charlie Hayes a retired judge and a supportive mentor who will serve as co-counsel. T. Davis Bunn has a talent for creating a wide range of characters whose humanity and concern for each other is tremendously moving. Thought that the most compelling character of all was Marcus. While writing a thrilling trial filled with surprising twists and shocking revelations, T. Davis Bunn also pens an inspirational work about Marcus's Path to self-forgiveness. In the church of New Zion, Marcus finds a surrogate family who welcomes him with open arms, helps him go on with his life, and learn to love himself again. Reading The Great Divide was like reading several stories that came together collectedly into a nice tight package. An immense read. 5 stars for sure. Pam Stone
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Legal Thriller From Wonderful Author
Review: The Great Divide is an excellent read! It is along the lines of a Grisham novel but even better. It has an engaging plot and I wasn't able to put it down. It was my first introduction to T. Davis Bunn who has quickly become my favorite Christian author. I've recommended this book to several other Christian fiction fans and they have all raved about it. Give this as a Christmas gift--they won't be disappointed!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Legal Thriller From Wonderful Author
Review: The Great Divide is an excellent read! It is along the lines of a Grisham novel but even better. It has an engaging plot and I wasn't able to put it down. It was my first introduction to T. Davis Bunn who has quickly become my favorite Christian author. I've recommended this book to several other Christian fiction fans and they have all raved about it. Give this as a Christmas gift--they won't be disappointed!
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