A Painted House: A Novel

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: David Lansbury

Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Until that September of 1952, Luke Chandler had never kept a secret or told a single lie. But in the long, hot summer of his seventh year, two groups of migrant workers —and two very dangerous men—came through the Arkansas Delta to work the Chandler cotton farm. And suddenly mysteries are flooding Luke’s world.

A brutal murder leaves the town seething in gossip and suspicion. A beautiful young woman ignites forbidden passions. A fatherless baby is born ... and someone has begun furtively painting the bare clapboards of the Chandler farmhouse, slowly, painstakingly, bathing the run-down structure in gleaming white. And as young Luke watches the world around him, he unravels secrets that could shatter lives—and change his family and his town forever....

Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM, coming soon!

©2000, 2001 Belfry Holdings, Inc. (P)2001 Random House, Inc. Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, a Division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Characters that no reader will forget. .. prose as clean and strong as any Grisham has yet laid down ... and a drop-dead evocation of a time and place that mark this novel as a classic slice of Americana.”—Publishers Weekly

“Some of the finest dialogue of his career ... Every detail rings clear and true, and nothing is wasted.”—Seattle Times

A Painted House & Pleasant Surprise

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It kept my interest and almost felt as though I knew the characters. I have been hoping to find a similar story, so far to no avail.

Interesting Book

Interesting story and well written. Captivating listen, but will only listen to once. I recommend it.

Excruciating

Love Grisham’s writing and story telling, I wasn’t expecting his usual but at least something interesting. But when you have a story of a poor Arkansas cotton farming family, hosting a poor “hill-billy” family and Mexican migrants for a season of cotton picking,told by a 7yr old, well, its as engaging as watching the paint dry on those “painted houses”. Seriously, where did all these 5stars come from?? It’s def not even close to a “To Kill a Mbird” as some have mused. A Scout Luke is NOT. There just isn’t anything to draw from. Grumpy beaten down men, work -weary unhappy women, acres of cotton. Visits to town on Sat. Not one character has any depth. Even Grisham couldn’t do anything with this. Sorry,John,stick to courtrooms.

Good read

Story made you feel you were there at times. A little disappointed with the ending, but overall a good read.

this ain't no thriller

but it will move your heart! very interesting departure for Grisham! well worth the price. starts slow but builds.

loved the book when I read it and even more now.

Always been a super Grishan fan. You feel as though you are part of the story.

Wonderful story

It was a wonderful story of a time long gone. I thought the narrator was perfect. No complaints from me on this book. I highly recommend it.

Sweet Story

I read this book many years ago and loved it then. The audio book was wonderful too. I lived in Arkansas as a kid and have moved back here as a retiree. The story brings back memories even though I lived in the big cities of Ft Smith, Springdale and Conway. 😊

Unexpectedly delightful

Most of John Grisham is books have something to do with the law or lawyers or court this book deviated from his normal books as far as possible but is none the less and great tale about a rural Arkansas family cotton pickers Anna tell the tale their struggles and small families desperate wish to escape the monotonous life of a debt in farming job I'm sorry if this description doesn't captive au but I promise if you like John Grisham then you will like this book too most likely

Great look into rural 1950’s Arkansas

The story is set in rural 1950’s Arkansas in the cotton belt. The story begins at the speed of country life - no rush, no hurry but with the well executed goal of transporting you back in time. The characters are deftly developed with the skill Grisham is known for but in a completely different genre than his legal mainstay.

The reader is drawn into the mind of a inquisitive 7 year old boy, Luke. He learns that his simple life can be quite complex. Important lessons such as treating others with respect, learning about empathy, and the power of love are intricately weaved into this satisfying tale. Some twists are not too surprising but others will leave your jaw on your chest.

Whether you are reading the book or listening to this Audible production you will not be disappointed.