Summary

The Pelican Brief, published in 1992, is John Grisham's third novel and one of his most suspenseful legal thrillers. Set against the backdrop of Washington, DC, and the Louisiana bayous, the novel explores how a single law student's speculative legal brief can shake the foundations of the American political establishment. With his expert pacing and attention to detail, Grisham creates a taut narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while also offering insightful commentary on environmental issues and the inner workings of the Supreme Court. Uncovering a chilling conspiracy with ties to the White House, The Pelican Brief quickly became a bestseller, cementing Grisham's reputation as a master of the genre. 

In 1993, one year after its publication, The Pelican Brief was adapted into a major motion picture directed by Alan J. Pakula, starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington. 

Plot

The Pelican Brief opens with the shocking assassinations of two Supreme Court justices—the liberal Justice Rosenberg and the conservative Justice Jensen. As the nation reels from these events, Darby Shaw, a law student at Tulane University, develops a theory about the murders. She writes a speculative legal brief suggesting that the justices were killed to influence an upcoming environmental case involving oil tycoon Victor Mattiece.

Darby shares her brief with her professor and lover, Thomas Callahan, who passes it on to his FBI contact. Shortly after, Callahan is killed in a car bombing, and Darby realizes she may be the next target. She goes on the run, narrowly escaping an attempt on her life by the assassin Khamel. Meanwhile, Gray Grantham, a reporter for The Washington Post, is contacted by a mysterious source called “Garcia” who claims to have information about the murders.

Joining forces to investigate, Darby and Gray gradually uncover a complex web of corruption reaching the highest levels of government. They learn that Victor Mattiece, desperate to drill for oil in a pelican habitat, orchestrated the assassinations to ensure favorable court rulings. The White House, fearing political fallout, attempts to cover up its connections to Mattiece.

Racing against time and eluding danger at every turn, Darby and Gray manage to gather crucial evidence, including testimony from the late “Garcia”—actually a lawyer named Curtis Morgan who had stumbled upon the conspiracy. With the help of FBI Director Voyles, who provides additional proof of the White House's involvement, they publish their explosive findings in The Washington Post. The story sends shockwaves through Washington, leading to resignations and criminal investigations, while Darby retreats to safety in the Caribbean.

Themes

• Corruption in high levels of government

• Environmental protection vs corporate interests

• Power of investigative journalism

• Dangers of uncovering political conspiracies

• Unlikely partnerships in pursuit of truth

• Personal growth through adversity

• Justice system vulnerabilities

Setting

The Pelican Brief is set in the early 1990s, a time of political tension and environmental concerns in the United States. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a nation grappling with ideological divisions and the growing influence of corporate interests in government affairs.

The narrative spans several key locations across the country. Washington, DC, serves as a central hub, where the Supreme Court assassinations take place and much of the political intrigue unfolds. The story also ventures into the vibrant city of New Orleans, where law student Darby Shaw begins her investigation. The contrast between these urban centers and the threatened Louisiana marshlands adds depth to the novel’s environmental themes.

From the seedy corners of DC, including a “porno house” where one murder occurs, to the hallowed halls of Tulane University Law School in New Orleans, John Grisham paints a vivid picture of diverse American landscapes. The White House, symbolizing the highest echelons of power, and the newsroom of The Washington Post, representing the Fourth Estate, also feature prominently as the conspiracy unravels.

Characters

• Darby Shaw: A brilliant young law student at Tulane University who writes the “pelican brief." She becomes the target of assassins after her theory about the Supreme Court murders gains traction. Darby goes on the run, demonstrating resourcefulness and courage as she tries to uncover the truth and stay alive. She forms an alliance with reporter Gray Grantham to expose the conspiracy.

• Gray Grantham: An ambitious investigative reporter for The Washington Post. He pursues leads on the Supreme Court assassinations and eventually teams up with Darby Shaw. Gray is determined to break the story wide open, risking his life to help Darby and uncover the truth behind the murders.

• Thomas Callahan: Darby's law professor and lover. He passes Darby’s brief to his friend at the FBI, inadvertently setting off the chain of events that puts her in danger. Callahan is killed by a car bomb early in the story.

• Victor Mattiece: The ruthless oil tycoon who orchestrates the assassinations to protect his business interests. Mattiece operates from the shadows, using his wealth and connections to manipulate events.

• Khamel: A notorious international assassin hired to kill the Supreme Court justices and later tasked with eliminating Darby. Khamel is known for his ability to blend in and assume different identities.

• Fletcher Coal: The President's Chief of Staff who attempts to cover up the White House's connection to Mattiece. He works to suppress the investigation into the pelican brief.

• F. Denton Voyles: FBI Director who initially investigates the murders but is ordered to back off by the President. He later aids Darby and Gray in exposing the truth.

• Gavin Verheek: FBI lawyer and friend of Thomas Callahan. He attempts to help Darby but is killed by Khamel.

Quick facts

• The Pelican Brief was John Grisham's third novel, published in 1992 after A Time to Kill and The Firm.

• The book spent 48 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

• The Pelican Brief deals with themes of political corruption and environmental conservation.

• The story was partially inspired by real-life concerns over oil drilling in Louisiana wetlands.

• Grisham wrote The Pelican Brief in just six months.

• The book's title refers to a legal brief written by the protagonist, Darby Shaw, about the murders of two Supreme Court justices.

• The character of Darby Shaw is Grisham's first prominent female protagonist.

• The Pelican Brief was the second of Grisham's legal thrillers to be adapted into a major motion picture.

• A film adaptation starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington was released in 1993, just one year after the book's publication.

• Grisham has stated that he wrote the character of Darby Shaw with Julia Roberts in mind for a potential film adaptation.

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. He continues to produce bestselling novels on a regular basis while also exploring new genres and formats.