Defending Jacob: A Novel

Defending Jacob is a brilliant story, written very neatly -- no extra words, artifacts or superfluous emotions. I was captivated from start to finish.

The writer portrays the dilemmas faced by the main characters, Andy Barber, and his wife, Laurie. The two have opposing views of how to handle a situation wherein their 14 year old son has been accused of murder. They even have differing recollections on their son as a child and an adolescent despite having lived together since he was born. I found myself wavering back and forth on guilt or innocence depending on the trial evidence and what is revealed by the various characters.

The story is made more complex by the fact that Andy Barber is a prosecutor who has some involvement with the case before his son is charged. The case is taken over by one of Andy's proteges who then views Andy as a nemesis. The interaction between those two is also very interesting because you don't know whether the new prosecutor has a case or is simply trying to defeat someone whom he views as a rival.

This novel is along the lines of "We Need to Talk About Kevin" by Lionel Shriver, also an excellent book, but written in a more thought provoking way. Whereas "Kevin" leads to an obvious conclusion, Defending Jacob keeps you guessing.



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I doubt you'll see this one coming--so, the less said the better....
Perhaps the greatest achievement of William Landay in writing Defending Jacob is the fact that he was able to write a suspenseful courtroom/domestic drama that is completely original, and unexpected. I can think of a particular current event from which a similar story could be extrapolated--but to say anything more would be a dirty rotten spoiler--and you deserve all the unexpected twists and pathetic ugly turns this gripping story has to offer.

I wouldn't say Landay has reached the level of polish of fellow lawyers-turned-authors Turow and Grisham with his writing style, but if you are a fan of their books you'll probably find Defending Jacob an engrossing read that can stand on its own among these big boys. The narration is split into the first person narration by Andy Barber, and the reading of the Grand Jury transcripts. Grover Gardner does an animated job of narrating; my only complaint was his voice is a bit gruff and harsh, as is very much of the language (especially during the first person narration), and while I thought it fit "Father O'Leary" and Andy's incarcerated father, I didn't personally care for the tone for most of the book. If you like a gritty courtroom drama--if you can handle the truth--this one might be for you.

Despite the reviews, I hesitated downloading "Defending Jacob" because of the subject matter (kid/parent angst, bullies, person-trapped-in-the-legal-system, etc.). It seemed like it would be a predictable plot. I couldn't have been more wrong!

This is one of the best court room drama?family drama? suspense novel? I have read/listened to. The characters were incredibly well developed -- the parents' relationship with their son was almost painful just because it was so believable ("this could have happened to anyone!"). The plot is incredibly intense. I literally sat in a parking lot with my mouth open as the final minutes were read. And the PERFORMANCE!!! A tour de force. The reader did such an unbelievable job that I am actually afraid to recommend the novel to people who might just 'read' it because I felt he added so much (was the novel THIS good in print?). Could not praise this audiobook enough.

(I read Mr. Landay's two previous novels recently -- I saw the great reviews of "Defending Jacob" but, like I said, I was avoiding it because of the plot, so I chose to read his earlier books first. Obviously, the author is mastering his craft. I can't wait for his next novel!)

Grover Gardener's stellar reading, nothing like a seasoned expert performer

to kill a mockingbird, the story grabs you by the throat, and won't let go. I felt like I was right in that courtroom.

His performance here was just as good as others. He never disapoints.

a no holds barred, compelling story

Defending Jacob is in some ways a morality tale like "To Kill a Mockingbird." There is a trial and unlike those famous media trials played out in today's news, this one makes it clear that when there is a crime, there is no winner and no loser. There are more shades of gray than black and white. Family relationships complicate all things and our very humanity should make it clear that we all walk a tightrope of right and wrong, good and bad. There is so much to think about that I'm still pondering the insights many weeks after my listen. The author did an outstanding job of creating an engaging, adrenalin packed murder drama that's so much more than the sum of its parts. It's also a tale about how we protect ourselves from the things we are unwilling to accept.

Jacob's father and mother come to their understanding of Jacob's situation each in their own way. They stop to question themselves constantly--which is something parents are prone to do. It's natural. The many layers of their thoughts and emotions were revealed slowly with dawning realizations and stunning realism.

This is a beautifully wrought tale of our relationships with our own children and what responsibility we hold for their frailties, wrapped up in a courtroom thriller. Excellent read!

While Grover Gardner doesn't have a wide range of voices, he certainly nailed the father's character in this compelling story providing for us a thoroughly convincing narration. This story certainly brings up several very interesting questions, among them whether violence is inherited or environmental and just how far a person will go in believing their child's innocence. This story never lagged and provided a satisfying and believable ending. Highly recommended listen!

I loved this book. The narration was really great, the plot kept my interest and it was well written. A small complaint/ is the ending, I just didn't feel like it fit the characters. But regardless it was unanticipated so I give credit for that.
The story was compelling and yes, good book.... well worth the credit

As a parent, it is so easy to see how this wonderful novel could happen in real life - - a rare feat for a novel. Careful reading too many reviews - - I got a terrible spoiler as I was deciding about whether to purchase this one, so just let me urge you to buy it. It's a real honest assessment of a family at the nadir of their lives.

I am a fan of courtroom drama and of family relationships. This book combines both and totally engaged me from the beginning. The author kept throwing in interesting twists and turns and I was very suprised by the ending. If you enjoy the early work of Grisham, you will enjoy this!

This book makes you think about yourself and your children. The writer wrote this
with a lot of thought about family. And how we as parents may be blind to our
children's behavior. Also about the court system, how your guilty before your proven innocent. The only con was the narrator voice was the same for certain character's. Besides that it was a good book. I enjoyed it!!