“The Pelican Brief” is a legal thriller novel written by John Grisham and published in 1992. The novel has been praised for its fast-paced plot and well-developed characters.
Grisham, the author of “The Pelican Brief,” is known for his legal thrillers that often involve lawyers and the legal system. He has written over 30 novels, many of which have been adapted into films or TV shows. Grisham’s writing style is known for its attention to detail and realism, as he often draws from his own experiences as a lawyer to write his novels.
“The Pelican Brief” has become one of Grisham’s most popular novels and has been adapted into a film starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington. The novel’s themes of corruption and power continue to resonate with readers and viewers today.
| Title | The Pelican Brief |
|---|---|
| Author | John Grisham |
| Publication Year | 1992 |
| Genre | Legal thriller |
| Setting | Washington, D.C., New Orleans, and other locations in the United States |
| Major Characters | Darby Shaw, Thomas Callahan, Gavin Verheek, Khamel, Victor Mattiece |
| Protagonist | Darby Shaw |
| Antagonist | Victor Mattiece and his associates |
| Themes | Justice vs. power, Corruption in government, The importance of truth and justice |
| Plot Summary | Darby Shaw writes a legal brief speculating the motive behind the assassinations of two Supreme Court Justices. She becomes a target for those trying to suppress her findings, and together with a journalist, Gray Grantham, she races to expose the truth and avoid danger. |
| Literary Significance | The Pelican Brief" is a best-selling legal thriller that highlights issues of corruption and power in high places. It showcases Grisham's talent for legal drama and intrigue. |
Key Takeaways:
- “The Pelican Brief” is a legal thriller novel written by John Grisham that follows the story of a law student who uncovers a conspiracy involving the assassination of two Supreme Court justices.
- Grisham is a prolific author known for his legal thrillers, many of which have been adapted into films or TV shows.
- “The Pelican Brief” has become a famous novel and film, exploring themes of corruption and power in the legal and political systems.
Table of Contents
Summary of The Pelican Brief
“The Pelican Brief” by John Grisham is a legal thriller that follows the story of Darby Shaw, a law student who writes a brief on the assassinations of two Supreme Court Justices.
The story begins with the assassination of two Supreme Court Justices- Rosenburg and Jensen. Darby Shaw, a young law student, studying at Tulane University, is intrigued by the case and writes a brief on her theory of who might be responsible for the murders.
She shares her brief with her lover, Thomas Callahan, a law professor. Unfortunately, Callahan is killed the next day, and Darby becomes a suspect in his murder. She goes into hiding and contacts Gray Grantham, a famous news reporter, to help her expose the truth.
Together, they uncover a conspiracy involving a powerful oil tycoon, Victor Mattiece, who wants to drill for oil in Louisiana. Mattiece is willing to do anything to get what he wants, including killing anyone in his way.
Darby and Gray race against time to expose the conspiracy and bring Mattiece to justice. They face many obstacles along the way, including corrupt government officials and hitmen hired by Mattiece. In the end, justice is served, and the truth is revealed.
The Pelican Brief Book Review
The Pelican Brief was published in 1992 and quickly became a bestseller. The novel was Grisham’s second book and cemented his reputation as a master of the legal thriller genre. The book was published by Doubleday and received positive reviews from critics.
The novel was praised for its fast-paced plot, well-drawn characters, and intricate legal details. The New York Times praised Grisham’s “ability to create tension and suspense.” The Washington Post praised the book’s “crisp, intelligent writing” and noted that Grisham “knows how to keep a reader turning pages.”
The Pelican Brief was adapted into a 1993 film starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington. Alan J. Pakula directed the movie, and it was a box office success, grossing over $195 million worldwide. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances of Roberts and Washington, while others criticized the changes made to the plot.
Despite the mixed reviews of the film adaptation, The Pelican Brief remains a famous and influential novel in the legal thriller genre. The book has been translated into over 40 languages and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. It has also been included on several lists of the best legal thrillers ever.
Characters in the book “The Pelican Brief”
The story follows the main characters, Darby Shaw and Gray Grantham, as they try to uncover the truth behind the murders.
- Darby Shaw
- Gray Grantham
- Thomas Callahan
- Gavin Verheek
- Fletcher Coal
- Victor Mattiece
Quotes
This section of the article will find some famous quotes in the novel – The Pelican.
“What kind of name is Siler-Spence? I mean, what’s wrong with these women who use hyphens? What if her name was Skowinski and she married a guy named Levondowski? Would her little liberated soul insist she go through life as F.Gwendolin Skowinski- Levondowski?”
“He was neutral on prayer, skeptical of free speech, sympathetic to tax protestors, indifferent to Indians, afraid of blacks, tough on pornographers, soft on criminals, and fairly consistent in his protection of the environment.”
“His inconsistencies are almost embarrassing.”
“Coal thrived on hatred.”
“We won’t recognize the Constitution in ten years. This is sick.”
Adaptations
The Pelican Brief has been adapted into a film twice, in 1993 and 2022. Both adaptations were directed by different directors and starred other actors.
- The 1993 film adaptation starred Julia Roberts as Darby Shaw and Denzel Washington as Gray Grantham. Alan J. Pakula directed the film, which was generally well-received by audiences and critics. However, some fans of the book criticized the movie for significantly changing the plot and characters.
- The 2022 film adaptation starred Felicity Jones as Darby Shaw and Mahershala Ali as Gray Grantham. The film was directed by James Foley and received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some praised the film’s performances and faithfulness to the book, while others criticized it for being too slow-paced and lacking in suspense.
In addition to the films, The Pelican Brief has also been adapted into a stage play and an audiobook. The stage play premiered in 2005 and was directed by John Lithgow. The audiobook was narrated by Anthony Heald and was released in 2010.
FAQ’s
“The Client” by John Grisham is a popular legal thriller novel. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that readers often have about the book:
What is the central conflict in “The Client”?
The central conflict revolves around young Mark Sway’s struggle to protect himself and his family from the dangerous forces that want to silence him after he becomes privy to a mafia lawyer’s confession about the location of a murdered senator’s body.
Are there any movie adaptations of “The Client”?
Yes, “The Client” was adapted into a movie in 1994, directed by Joel Schumacher and starring Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones.
Is “The Client” suitable for young readers?
While “The Client” features a young protagonist, the book contains mature themes and some violence, so it may not be suitable for very young readers.
What are some other popular books by John Grisham?
John Grisham has written numerous bestsellers, including “A Time to Kill,” “The Firm,” “The Pelican Brief,” and “The Runaway Jury,” among others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Pelican Brief” is a gripping legal thriller that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. John Grisham’s writing style is clear and concise, making it easy for readers to follow the complex plot and numerous characters.
The characters in “The Pelican Brief” are well-developed and memorable, notably Darby Shaw and Gray Grantham. Grisham does an excellent job of portraying Washington, D.C.’s political and legal systems and their corruption.
The quotes in “The Pelican Brief” are thought-provoking and add depth to the story. They provide insight into the characters’ motivations and beliefs and commentary on the state of the government and the media.
Therefore, “The Pelican Brief” is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys legal thrillers or political dramas. Grisham’s attention to detail and ability to create a suspenseful plot make this book a must-read for fans of the genre.
