Rating: 
Summary: Classic StoryTelling
Review: Can anyone say John Steinbeck. Grisham proves that he is not a lawyer who writes books but actually an author who worked as a lawyer for a while. The elegant and descriptive prose brings the reader so close to this world that I could feel the humidity in the air, I could smell the supper cooking, and I could see the cotton blowing in the wind. But whats most important is that Grisham still remains his best-selling self as he builds up a suspenseful story that has us all wondering "what is that hillbilly gonna do to that kid?"
Rating: 
Summary: A real departure for Grisham
Review: This story is quite a departure from the usual Grisham epic. It's a pleasant tale of a young boy's experience growing up in rural Arkansas. The boy is only seven years old and as he relates the story it is a little unbelievable in the detail for one of that tender age. I cannot imagine a boy so young speaking in such a way. It would have been more easily believed had the character been ten or twelve years old. Nonetheless, it's a very readable account, but don't expect any excitement or surprises. I don't think this is a good direction for Grisham to head and I can only hope he returns to the type of story he does so well.
Rating:
Summary: Different? Yes. Good? Certainly!
Review: I didn't buy this book because it was different, I bought it because it is John Grisham. Typical of Grisham books, I couldn't put it down and had to read it in one sitting. As for the storyline, it was brilliant in my opinion. It is a diversion from typical Grisham books, but a refreshing change just the same. I would recommend this book to anyone, not just fans of the Grisham.
Rating:
Summary: Great Read
Review: I have read all of John Grishams books and this one has to rate as his best. Having digested all the lawyer books this was a refreshing change. A great story told through the eyes of a seven year old. Also a book that would entertain a young reader.
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully Written Novel
Review: This is not your usual Grisham book, and I am a fan, having read all of his books more than once. Simply put, it is a wonderful book. It tells a story of a family in simple, yet eloquent terms. It was lovingly written. Kudos Mr. Grisham!
Rating:
Summary: And now, for something a little different
Review: While Grisham's novels usually appeal to me, I was somewhat concerned over the departure from his usual themes. In the genre usually called "legal thriller," Grisham has established himself as the best. This book, however is very different, yet very, very enjoyable. Set on the Chandler farm at harvest time, Grisham described the backbreaking work of a cotton farm with characters, to my mind, very different from his usual stock in trade. Set in the 1950's, A PAINTED HOUSE, the story is told through the eyes of young Luke, who witnesses a murder. While the plot moves along well, it often takes a back seat to the descriptions of time and place.The book does not succumb to sugary sentimentality however; the descriptions support further development of the plot. Most Grisham fans will be satisfied with the book although those who expect "more of the same" may be somewhat disappointed. However, the book shows the author's versatility and is an excellent book by any standard.
Rating:
Summary: Grisham writes a masterpiece
Review: After The Brethren, I was ready to give up on John Grisham. He had made a couple of attempts at writing fuller books with more complex characters, but then fell back with one of the most one-dimensional -- and implausible -- stories I had ever read. I thought that, whatever talent he had, it was burning out. So it was not with great eagerness that I picked up A Painted House. But something has happened to John Grisham. He has decided, after all his years as a commercial writer, to finally give in to temptation, and try his hand at being an author. And he has succeeded beyond any expectation. Grisham finally is reaching deep inside of himself, digging into his personal experiences to frame stories, characters and plot line. This is a story of themes -- of life, death and renewal -- that intertwine throughout the book. Yes, that is, by necessity, the tale of any farming community. But Grisham has mined it deeply, allowing the readers to grow and understand alongside his characters. I disagree with some of the other writers who believe they see another thriller in here. There is no thriller. But what there is instead is information that seems to indicate where some of the thrillers came from. Grisham is either hitting on the same themes, or is revealing the secrets in his own life, that led to his writing of other books -- in particular, The Client. But all of these come naturally in the course of the narrative. There is no force, there is no sudden switch to drama. It evolves naturally, as the secrets and hidden meanings of life flood over this small farm as quietly as the actual waters from the nearby river. And they prove no less threatening to their way of life. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is almost as if there have been two John Grishams, and he has been afraid at pursuing his true calling. You could see hints of his temptation in other books -- The Street Lawyer, The Testament -- but only here is it on full display. Whatever muse Grisham has that keeps pulling him back to the shallow thriller, I hope he begins to ignore it. If he sticks with what he knows -- in this case, presenting one of the best explorations of the rural south since Faulkner -- he has the capacity of turning out books that will live on as great.
Rating: 
Summary: He gets "southern" right
Review: I love to read about the south from a real southerner. John Grisham gets every nuance right. The tale is so true to real life that I wasn't able to "escape" as I did reading his previous work. I missed the lawyers, but this was a beautifully written book, and well worth the investment of time.
Rating:
Summary: PLEASE DO IT AGAIN, MR GRISHAM!
Review: It tells the tale through a seven year old eyes. Never does it resort back to adult tones, yet it so well written that people of all ages will enjoy it--from a teenager to the Grandmas and Grandpas. Everyone who has ever had a good relationship with their grandparents will succumb to Luke's life. If you have ever had to do something you didn't want to, will relate to Luke. Thanks again, Mr. Grisham, and if there are anymore like this in you, please, DO IT AGAIN! Cause this one is your best.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderfully enjoyable novel
Review: Not since his first novel, "A Time To Kill" have I so enjoyed reading John Grisham's work. While I have always found Grisham to be a fine story teller, this book, based on his own experiences as a boy growing up in rural Arkansas, really captures the spirit and essence of its main character, a seven year old boy named Luke, as he reveals life on the family cotton farm with all of the hopes, dreams, joys and fears in a manner that only a child could so candidly convey. The book portrays a simpler time of life in American history but reminds the reader that each generation, whether rich or poor, urban or rural has had its own set of trials and tribulations to overcome in the ultimate pursuit of the American dream. "A Painted House" was truly a most enjoyable read and I'd certainly give it my highest recommendation.
|
