The Chamber

Virtuoso narration of Grisham's best dialogue. The conversations carry the story. If ever a man earned the death sentence it is this man; the story shows how the sins of the father are visited on the generations. Yet, Grisham shows the value of confession, forgiveness and mercy.

I hesitated to purchase this because of the reviews that called it depressing. I liked much of Grisham's earlier works and this is one that I had yet to read. I'm glad I took a chance. The Chamber is a compelling story with excellent character development and just enough detail to make you familiar with its settings. And Michael Beck is just superb. I can't imagine the story being read any better. Grisham's expertise is best illustrated by the fact that Sam is a totally unlikable character who, by book's end, will capture the reader's empathy. The premise of the novel is somewhat of a stretch as are some of the events that take place. But all that's trumped by the masterful way that Grisham told this story. I haven't changed my opinion on capital punishment, but the novel made me think without detracting from its entertainment value. That is rare. I think this book will appeal to liberals, conservatives, capital punishment supporters and capital punishment opponents alike. It's good. Download and enjoy.

The Chamber brings into question and beckon for the ultimate denouement of the death penalty.

A book with depth and innate worth, Mr. Grisham tells a riveting and poignant story in which Sam Cayhall, the main character, demonstrates the fatal result of the combination of family nurture and one's environment. Donnie, Sam's youngest brother, coming from the same ill-fated environment as Sam shows that by engaging with humanity, one can avoid the pains of alienation from society. If John Grisham tells us anything it is that albeit we live in a world where evil delights in justifying itself and where moral ambiguity surpasses moral verities, we are still accountable for the choices we make.

Michael Beck is an outstanding narrator. For me, this book was an emotional roller coaster that tested my compassion... a book that merits a place on the bookshelf.

I covered many miles while listening and don't remember most of them. Mr. Grisham is very good at discribing the surroundings, so much so I felt like I was there. Well worth the time.

I like any book that can help us to see into another person. Even a fictional person. Racism and hate and understanding and forgiveness and tolerance. There are some very harsh elements, there would have to be for the story to take place primarily on death row. I felt for the characters. I like a book that may help me see the other side of an argument in a new light.

The narrator was very good. I enjoyed his voice. I only once or twice thought his intonation was off and that is really nitpicking because he was good.

This was one of the first books that I got on my Audible acct. way back in 2002. It is now 2012. Ten years of listening and I thought I would listen to all of them over and write a quick review (finally) for each one. At the time that I got this book, I was also listening to Jonathan Kerlerman and Robert Ludlum. My tastes have changed, I do not like horrible killings and rapes that have a lot of details. I would rather have a light heart warming story. I have kids now and life is complicated enough. When I read I want to escape to a simple story with conflict that may be resolved. Though this book does not have a simple conflict, and the subject matter is hard, the story is still heart warming. There are harsh words and it is impossible to tell a story that includes racism with out using dialog that I would rather not hear but I'm glad I read the book 10 years ago, and I'm glad I read the book today.

No. I enjoyed it and glad I listened to it. But it'll stay with me a long time. I don't need a second time around. I don't believe in the death penalty in all cases, some I do. In this case I did not. I knew which way I was rooting and I felt I knew Sam by the time I was finished. He was a changed man and now I'm forever changed.

Yes it did. There were so many appeals and trials and the hope was for a stay of execution or clemency. Also, another character was involved, not mentioned much and the hope was that he would somehow be fleshed out.

Mmmm. He sounds just like Kevin Costner, if he read a book!! I've never seen a picture of Michael. But he does a wonderful job in pulling out all the characters in the story. The Chamber had a large number of characters.

Yes. Sam gave a very solemn confession to the preacher, I think his name was Randy. It was so heartfelt. Another was when he walked into the Chamber.....he was so very brave. He had disavowed his membership to the KKK and many other things. His main concern was that God would allow him into heaven.

Grisham rarely makes mistakes in my opinion. I loved this. It was a tad long but I still enjoyed it and it really didn't take much longer to read because I really needed to see Sam to the end.

one of the best books I have listened to, I enjoyed it alot. A very good performance.

very realistic and good research

Sam

yes

much better than the movie

I thought that the story had the potential to create more suspense & drama, but it fell flat. I spent the majority of the story expecting something more to happen, and then it wouldn't. Don't get me wrong, it's still an interesting story with good character development. But don't expect suspense or twist & turns. It's not that kind of story.

As a rabid Grisham fan I am very sorry to say that this book is not up to Mr Grisham's usual standards. Predictable plot. That the only mistery in the story is left unresolved is the only surprise furnished in this book. I waited the entire book for something exciting or engrossing. This is just a sermon against the death penalty which is always expected from this author. What is not expected is that in this book he gives us very little else. If you have read many of his books you will find the characters, dialog, and plot all very familiar. I suggest you try another title. Almost everything else he has written is excellent. This is the first time I have ever been disappointed by John Grisham.

Not at all.

Sam Cahill, the murderer.

Boredom.

I only wish the audible presentation came across a little louder over the speakers in the pickup. My husband and I enjoy listening to audible books while we are traveling for his job.