The Testament

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: Frank Muller

Length: 14 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's Summary

Troy Phelan is a self-made billionaire, one of the richest men in the United States. He is also eccentric, reclusive, confined to a wheelchair, and looking for a way to die. His heirs, to no one's surprise - especially Troy's - are circling like vultures.

Nate O'Riley is a high-octane Washington litigator who's lived too hard, too fast, for too long. His second marriage is a shambles, and he is emerging from his fourth stay in rehab armed with little more than his fragile sobriety, good intentions, and resilient sense of humour. Returning to the real world is always difficult, but this time it's going to be murder.

Rachel Lane is a young woman who chose to give her life to God, who walked away from the modern world with all its strivings and trappings and encumbrances, and went to live and work with a primitive tribe of Indians in the deepest jungles of Brazil.

In a story that mixes legal suspense with a remarkable adventure, their lives are forever altered by the startling secret of The Testament.

©2001 Belfry Holdings, Inc (P)2001 Random House, LLC

Not a thriller. Not a mystery. Not a courtroom drama

The publisher has not described this book accurately, at all. This is a complete departure from other John Grisham books.
My best description of this would be troubled, alcoholic middle-aged lawyer takes a trip to a second/third world country. On his journey he finds redemption through encounters with nature, interactions with simple, hard working poor people, and a new relationship with God.
It is a cross between a travel diary, and a self help story with religion.
If that's what you're in to than this is the book for you. But it's really, really not what I'm interested in reading, and more importantly, it's not what I thought I was buying.

Well spoken

Frank Muller did well putting on the different accents for each character. I enjoyed listening to this but did so at 1.25 speed as I found him a little slow, even then I probably could have sped it up as it was still perfectly easy to listen to. The story itself isn't amazing (not as gripping as Grisham's other novels) but I enjoyed it well enough.

Amazing

I have not liserned to John Grisham books for a while. I could not stop liserning! This book was amazing

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Captivating tale

From 2 chapters in I was hooked. Great listen but if you have lots to do rather a distraction.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Not his best, but good 3.5 stars!

John Grisham’s writing is always so good, like a warm blanket. The story here is not one of his best. There was too much ‘God Bothering’ for my taste. The descriptions of places and the quality of written dialogue carried me along though, and I did enjoy it. Another reviewer wasn’t happy with the narrator, but I found he suited the book well and was easy to listen to.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Fantastic story

Would you listen to The Testament again? Why?

I think I would. On the face of it, this is a straightforward story. However, there are many levels to the main character as well as the story, with added references to the appalling treatment of South American tribes by big business - something that is brought into the story almost casually and not dwelled upon too much (I think this approach gave more power and impact to the attempted annihilation of the natives of these regions)

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nate O'Riley. So flawed but honest. But that is not to minimise the many larger than life characters filling this story

What about Frank Muller’s performance did you like?

The narration was brilliant. Frank Muller's voice has an ever present hint of humour about it - reminded me of some narration of Carl Hiaasen books.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It has of sadness, humour and hope.

Any additional comments?

This book came back to me many times after I'd finished it. As I stated above, there are many layers to this book and it was only on reflection I realised how complex the story is. It is sad in places but also full of humour. I can't say too much in case of spoilers. However, attempted redemption is also part of this story.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Classic

Classic Grisham story telling but with a twist.
Actually made me cry.
A must read or listen.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Another fantastic story by John Grisham.

Enthralling, addictive, and masterfully told. The narrative is very picturesque and conjures images easily in the mind. The narrator brings the characters to life without feeling cliché or stereotypical. Superb.

Brilliant

A gripping story couldn’t put it down. I think it was one of the best books I’ve read. The story was good the narration was even better. I highly recommended it 10/10

First class read

If you could sum up The Testament in three words, what would they be?

Utterly compelling story, thoroughly researched, couldn't put it down. Truthful. Challenging + thought provoking.

What about Frank Muller’s performance did you like?

Excellent in every way...very restful and engaging but then so good at building the characters.

Any additional comments?

Thank you John Grisham, this is a book I will share with friends...the moral/ethical ...it rings so true for those with a calling/vocation versus the folly of riches (what does it profit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul) I also have a friend serving in Equador + the contrast between her life & someone I know who is a multi-millionaire...sobering.

Great book

Great book. Bit slow to start with nearly gave up, but once the character Nat appeared it changed the story.

Fantastic story

Loved the story full of whit and twists really exciting and entertaining my favourite book by mr Grisham so far

Another great Grisham journey

Whilst I found the religious content unusual I still thoroughly enjoyed the journey, as always

Spoiled by the narrator

Would you try another book written by John Grisham or narrated by Frank Muller?

Narrator's delivery far too dramatic - every sentence. I don't think it's delberate, I think it's just the way he speaks, but it's tiresome. Would avoid him in future.

If you’ve listened to books by John Grisham before, how does this one compare?

Yet another book about testementary wills - the last 3 Grisham books I've read have been testementary wills. TIme for a topic change. THat aside, it was a good story, with a few holes, but worth the read (I'd read rather than listen because th enarrator is really irritating).

1 of 2 people found this review helpful