Sycamore Row
>> Call me a hipster, but I normally tend to avoid the “big names” of literature, aside from the genius Stephen King. I am, however, glad that I read John Grisham’s “Sycamore Row.” In his 1989 book “A Time to Kill,” Grisham explores themes of vengeance, racism, and forgiveness. “Sycamore Row” is the sequel to that 1989 book. It continues with similar themes, but this book adds a tougher idea to mull over. Grisham explores what it takes for a small town to keep a secret and more importantly, what happens when those old wounds are ripped open for the whole world to see once again. The book keeps these questions in the background as it looks at a family mystery left after Jake Brigance, the attorney from “A Time to Kill,” commits suicide. The book itself is a quick read, with sympathetic characters and a fascinating storyline. However, it feels like a well-written Hallmark mini-series. Do with that caveat what you please and to each his own.
