The Testament

A Novel

De: John Grisham

Narrado por: Frank Muller

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A disgraced corporate attorney ventures into a potentially lethal jungle, on a job no one wants, in this “entertaining page-turner” (USA Today) from the master of the legal thriller.

In a plush Virginia office, a rich, angry old man is furiously rewriting his will. With his death just hours away, Troy Phelan wants to send a message to his children, his ex-wives, and his minions—a message that will touch off a vicious legal battle and transform dozens of lives.

Because Troy Phelan’s new will names a sole surprise heir to his eleven-billion-dollar fortune: a mysterious woman named Rachel Lane, a missionary living deep in the jungles of Brazil.

Enter the lawyers. Nate O’Riley is fresh out of rehab, handpicked for his last job: to find Rachel Lane at any cost. As Phelan’s family circles like vultures in D.C., Nate goes crashing through the Brazilian jungle, entering a world where money means nothing, where death is just one misstep away, and where a woman—pursued by enemies and friends alike—holds a stunning surprise of her own.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“A compulsory page-turner.”—Newsweek

“Entertaining.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Absorbing . . . The pages fly by.”—Chicago Tribune

“His hordes of fans won’t be disappointed: Grisham includes his trademark legal wrangling, zippy plot and engaging minor characters. The Testament is unabashedly spiritual without being doctrinaire.”—USA Today

“Seductive . . . Grisham knows how to tell a story.”—The Denver Post

“Complex and satisfying.”—The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“The first two chapters . . . are good, dirty fun. Grisham shows a new lightness of touch here: the parts of The Testament that deal with the legal profession fairly snap along.”—Los Angeles Times

“Holds the reader to the end . . . The Testament straddles two worlds: the familiar haunts of courtrooms, legal conferences, and judges chambers and the exotic wilds of Brazil.”—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

“Grisham fans . . . will love The Testament. He’s a master of character and motivation.”—The Plain Dealer

“Grisham writes with insider knowledge, an expert appreciation of the elegant legal gambit, and real relish at the unexpected things that can come out when smart, principled lawyers who’ve done their homework ask dishonest witnesses the right questions.”—The Boston Globe

great

I really liked this Grisham novel, in part because it takes us to unfamiliar surroundings. Unfamiliar people. If you need just the normal everyday, don't read it. If you like adventure, this has the twists and turns AND some interesting background.

Not much suspense, but a good story

This is not as powerful as some of the author’s other books, but it’s a fine story. His most popular books had more suspense and thriller. This is just a fictional story about lawyers and heirs to an estate. It’s different. It’s enjoyable and above average because of the author’s skill. He’s good at creating fun-to-watch characters. I chuckled at some of the wry comments. For example, Nate’s life is so miserable and he’s feeling such hangover pain, that he’s in a fog about the dangers around him. It’s like who cares if he has to fend off alligators. It’s just another inconvenience. After one event he says in his dry uncaring monotone “oh, I’m still alive?” His reactions and acceptance of jungle threats were humorous in a dry, satirical way. In addition to alligators he sees anacondas, piranhas, rats as big as dogs, and mosquitos. Later Nate suffered through dengue fever. Josh saw him and said “You look awful. You’re skinny as a rail.” Nate said “You want to lose fifteen pounds, find the right mosquito.” On another topic, I admired and liked the character Josh - smart, competent, but not perfect.

Maybe 40% of the story is lawyers for the grandchildren scheming to get money. The rest of the story is about Nate with some Rachel. I don’t want to give away too much, but I enjoyed Nate’s change. Many reviewers complained about the ending saying it was rushed and incomplete. I agree. I would have liked more. But it was acceptable to me. One part was a little sad, but my overall feeling at the end was “kind of nice.”
NARRATOR:
The narrator Frank Muller was fabulous. He’s very entertaining with the various personalities, especially with Nate’s attitude and comments.

A great listen....

I knew there would be traffic and in anticipation of driving the 405 on a Friday in Los Angeles, I loaded several books in my iPod. The Testament was not the book I was going to listen to, but I accidentally selected it and in a few minutes I was hooked.

Frank Muller is the best reader and John Grisham spins a great tale. I found the 1 hour drive in traffic flew by and I didn't want to turn it off when I got in the garage. The 13 hours 34 minutes is well worth it, totally entertaining and a great listen.

Throroughly Enjoyable

I'm a big Grisham fan and this one doesn't disappoint. Quite the departure from his usual focus on all things law. An entertaining and enlightening adventure away from the courtroom. Very well narrated. Highly recommend.

Excellent

Can't say enough - one of the best books that I've listened to and the narrator, Frank Muller, is excellent. Adventure, humor, intelligence - this book has it all and I highly recommend it.