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 [Larger view] | The Last Juror
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| All you need to know about the Last Juror | |
| The Last Juror, by John Grisham is a fast-paced thriller that depicts the editorial terrors and legal adversities in the small town of Clayton, Mississippi. Set in the 1970's this novel reflects on a broad array of social issues of this time. Both racism and municipal corruption are major aspects, and through this novel, we see how corrupt the government can be. The Last Juror reflects upon the remarkable difference integrity can make, and the horrible aspect that money can provide. The Last Juror is a intense, unnerving story of lies, greed, hate, and wrath. It is a descriptive novel of personal beliefs and change.
Willie Traynor just graduated from college, and recently moved to the small town of Clayton, Mississippi. He seeks an editorial career, and looks forward to a prosperous future in a newspaper company of his own. Luckily, his ambition becomes reality with little effort. With the help of a rich grandmother, when the counties newspaper goes bankrupt, Willie's finds himself owner of an entire newspaper company. Without much hesitation, BeBe, Willie's grandmother, purchases the Times for his benefit. With a fairly prosperous business under his control, Traynor finds himself in charge of what he believes is an industrial empire. As the weeks pass, the Times increases popularity, and Willie Traynor finds himself in possession of more money than he ever imagined. The recent murder of a young mother changes life for Willie Traynor in a variety of ways. Not only will Willie have the editorial opportunity of a lifetime, but he will be forced to make a variety of enemies and friends. Willie Traynor's coverage of the murder proves to be the basis of this novel, as it undermines the rest of the story and provides for an interesting influence to the plot. With Willie's coverage of the murder, Clayton Mississippi discovers wraths and friendships it never knew it had. Clayton is a city of corruption. Money has bought many elections, and the people of Clayton discover that they are being led by unjust officials. It is up to Willie to help save Clayton, and through this novel, we see how one honest soul can save the fate of an entire village. Willie's actions throughout this novel are the centerpiece in this mystery. Willie is the protagonist of this novel, and although he does not save everyone's lives, he manages to unravel a murderous ploy. Willie, influenced by many socio-economic issues of the 1940's, makes many difficult decisions as editor of the Ford County Times. For example, Willie chooses to run a set of front page articles on an African American family. This agitates the community because the majority of white "freemen" have not yet accepted racial integration. After hearing about the possible murder of one of the family members in his "front page article", Willie goes to all extent to avoid having any bloodshed over segregation. Willie Traynor is a noble, honest character. Throughout the novel, we discover his humble, open-minded characteristics and respect his decisions. Josh Grisham's ease with words makes The Last Juror an all around fantastic read. Although every aspect of this novel is fascinating, my favorite scene in this book occurred when Willie Traynor ate lunch with Miss Callie Ruffin for the first time. This scene was especially vivid. Grisham eloquently described the feast that Miss Callie prepared for Willie and the ensuing amazement on his part. The clashing cultures of Miss Callie and Willie proved to be very fascinating. More of the frenzied, stressed, work type, Willie was not used to a relaxed, "all you can eat" banquet. Miss Callie on the other hand, shocked by Willie's infatuation with the food, pushed Willie into eating more, stuffing him beyond consciousness. I enjoyed this scene because as a reader, I was able to experience Willie and Miss Callie's very opposite styles and observed their adaptations to each other. It is fascinating how such different human beings can be so drawn to each other. The friendship grown from this first meeting amazed me. Human nature is remarkable. The Last Juror is an action packed masterpiece of lust and hate. Although it may not be a critical thinking novel, it teaches many valuable lessons to its readers. The Last Juror is reflective of our present day society and the stubbornness of our press, media, and especially our politicians. This novel describes to what extent an organization can go to reach their purpose. This book shows how a careless public can fail to notice minor quirks and changes in government policy. These "minor changes" can be the difference of a few million dollars and a corrupt government for the next four years. The Last Juror most directly asks us to notice our surroundings and take nothing for granted. Money is the primary force of our present day world, and we must be wary of its powers. The Last Juror is a fantastic book. Although it may not rattle your brain cells and trigger your creative senses, it is entertaining and enticing. This novel is fast paced and will keep you on your feet until the final page. Through the persona of Willie Traynor, Grisham's readers are taken on a journey of truth, justice, and happiness. The Last Juror is a wonderfully crafted novel. I would definitely recommend this book to any "action-hungry" individuals with a taste for law and justice. The Last Juror is the "Law and Order of the mid twentieth century. In it, you will find murder, mystery, and love, the perfect combination for a thriller. | |
| A Suspenseful Glimpse of Small Town Mississippi In The 1970' | |
| Willie Traynor, a 23 years old, just out of college, sort of a long haired ivy league radical, comes South to find himself. He ends up greatly maturing as he becomes a newspaper reporter and then owner of the Ford County Times,a small circulation local paper which he builds up and ultimately sells for $1.5 million. Along the way there's plenty of excitement. The son of a wealthy family brutally rapes and murders an attractive young widow. When he's sentenced to prison he threatens to kill the jurors who put him away. When he's ultimately paroled the killings start. It's thought that he's the perpetrator. But it turns out that he wasn't. It was a deranged assistant prosecutor. Who shoots Danny Padgitt at a bail hearing after he was arrested as a suspect in the murders of three of the jurors who had voted against the deathy penalty. Plenty of interesting turns and twists in this story. | |
 Outstanding Book! | |
| In this excellent book Willie Traynor comes to Clanton,Mississippi armes with a journalism degree.After getting
a loan from his grandmother Bee Bee he purchases the county newspaper the Ford County Times.Previously the news paper had been famous for it's obituaries under the editor Mr. Caudle.The new editor,Willie is determined to make it a first rate newspaper. The shocking murder and rape of a young widow Rhoda Kassellaw turns into a major event in Clanton Mississippi.Willie gives the murder and the trial tremendous coverage.A local from a wild family named Danny Padgitt is arrested and put on trial for the murder of the young woman.The Padgitts are famous for being in the business of bootleg whiskey and marijuana.During the trial Padgitt threatens the jury.After a lengthy trial Padgitt is convicted.He recieves a life term instead of the death penalty. Grisham also brings in a close friendship between Callie Ruffin and her family with Willie Traynor.The eight Ruffin children have all been sucessful in college and in life.One child the youngest Sam is on the run. You are also shown an interesting side of Ford County politics.The office of Sheriff is given good coverage.You are also treated to local elections. Danny Padgitt is finally released on parole.Upon his return to Ford County two jurors are killed.Another juror is injured with a bomb.All suspicion is cast upon Danny Padgitt. The book has a surprise ending.This is another outstanding book from John Grisham.Don't miss it. |
