Themes

• Corruption in the legal system
• Protection of vulnerable children
• Ethics and moral dilemmas
• Power struggle between law enforcement and organized crime
• Importance of trust and loyalty
• Environmental justice and corporate greed
• Resilience and courage in the face of adversity

Setting

Set in the early 1990s, The Client unfolds primarily in Memphis, Tennessee, with some action taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana. The story captures the essence of these Southern cities, highlighting the contrast between urban landscapes and more rural outskirts where key events occur.

Memphis serves as the primary backdrop, with several crucial scenes taking place in its less developed areas. The novel opens in a “weedy lot on the outskirts of Memphis,” immediately establishing the juxtaposition between the city's polished and neglected spaces. This setting becomes symbolic of the legal and criminal worlds that intersect throughout the narrative.

While much of the action is concentrated in Memphis, New Orleans plays a significant role as the seat of Mafia operations and the origin of the political scandal central to the plot. The dual setting allows Grisham to explore the complexities of Southern culture, from small-town dynamics to big-city politics, creating a rich tapestry that enhances the story's tension and authenticity.

Characters

• Mark Sway: An 11-year-old boy who becomes the titular client. Mark is street-smart, resourceful, and fiercely protective of his family. After witnessing a lawyer's suicide and learning a dangerous secret, he becomes entangled in a high-stakes legal battle. Mark's courage and quick thinking help him navigate the threats from both the mob and overzealous prosecutors.
• Regina “Reggie” Love: A 52-year-old lawyer who becomes Mark's legal representative and ally. Reggie is compassionate, determined, and skilled in child protection cases. Having overcome personal struggles, she forms a strong bond with Mark and goes to great lengths to protect him. Reggie's experience and empathy make her a formidable opponent against both the mob and the legal system.
• Roy Foltrigg: The ambitious US Attorney determined to solve the case of the missing senator. Foltrigg is ruthless, media-savvy, and willing to bend the rules to get what he wants. His aggressive pursuit of Mark puts the boy in danger and showcases the darker side of the justice system.
• Barry “The Blade” Muldanno: A notorious mobster suspected of killing Senator Boyette. Muldanno is dangerous and desperate to keep the location of the body secret. His attempts to silence Mark drive much of the plot's tension.
• Dianne Sway: Mark's mother, a hardworking single parent struggling to make ends meet. Dianne is protective of her children and initially skeptical of the legal situation they find themselves in.
• Ricky Sway: Mark's younger brother, who witnesses the lawyer's suicide and becomes catatonic. Ricky's condition adds urgency to Mark's need for protection and legal help.
• Jerome Clifford: The suicidal lawyer who reveals the secret of Senator Boyette's murder to Mark. His actions set the entire plot in motion.
• Johnny Sulari: The acting boss of the New Orleans Mafia and Barry Muldanno's uncle. Sulari operates behind the scenes, orchestrating attempts to silence Mark.

Quick facts

• The Client was John Grisham's fourth novel, published in 1993.
Grisham wrote the novel in just six months.
• The Client spent 16 weeks at #1 on The New York Times bestseller list.
• It was the first Grisham novel to feature a female lawyer as a main character.
• The story is set primarily in Memphis, Tennessee, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
• The main character, Mark Sway, is only 11 years old.
• The Client addresses environmental issues through the subplot of a toxic landfill project.
• It was adapted into a feature film in 1994, starring Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones.
• The film adaptation earned Susan Sarandon an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
• A television series based on the novel aired for one season in 1995 to 1996.

About the author

John Grisham is one of the most successful and prolific authors of legal thrillers in modern literature. Born in 1955 in Arkansas, Grisham practiced law for about a decade and served in the Mississippi House of Representatives before launching his writing career. His breakthrough novel, The Firm, became a massive bestseller in 1991 and launched his streak of having one of the top 10 bestselling novels nearly every year for the next two decades.

Over his career, Grisham has authored nearly 50 books that have sold over 300 million copies worldwide. While best known for his legal thrillers, he has also written in other genres including sports fiction, comedy, and young adult novels. Many of Grisham's books have been adapted into popular films, including The Firm, The Pelican Brief, and A Time to Kill. His writing often explores issues related to the criminal justice system and racial tensions.

Beyond his literary success, Grisham remains active in legal and social causes. He serves on the board of directors for the Innocence Project and Centurion Ministries, organizations dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals. Grisham has used his platform to advocate against capital punishment and excessive incarceration rates in the United States. He has also supported various political and charitable causes over the years. When not writing, Grisham splits his time between homes in Virginia, Florida, and North Carolina.