BOOK REVIEW-JOHN GRISHAM-THE BROKER

Oh yes, the novel starts on a high note with the US President speculating a pardon for a infamous, controversial power broker Joel Backman. Consequently, the Prez does grant Backman the pardon. But the catch is, he is freed so that CIA can finally nail Backman by getting him killed by the intelligence agencies of other countries. The reason is that Joel Backman before getting imprisoned had ended up making enemies with a lot of countries so much so that, the jail became a safe-house for him.

Grisham manages to dream up a great plot but the anti-climax begins midway through the novel. Because now all Grisham can do is keep getting Backman to run from his enemies. The research he has done on Italy and its roadside cuisine is evident as you read the book.

The novel fails to keep hold of the same high-velocity start it was given, which is a shame as the cash for pardon scheme is truly brilliant. I take refuge in the fact that Grisham truly gives his main character Joel Backman, a standing respect and a subtle charm with great human quirks in him. All in all, the book is dragged and it could have used a little more plotting, a greater range of characters. It lacked a few colours and sparks in it otherwise, truly John Grisham's 'The Broker' would have gone a longer way than it has.