Book Review: The Runaway Jury

Books are man's best friend, and it's fantastic how they can transport us to different worlds! When nothing to do it is always better to read. Thanks to my mother, I have inculcated the habit of reading to pass my time. 

Recently in Mumbai, there was a book exhibition and my family bought a few novels. Although nowadays everything is available online, the feel and the smell of having a book in hand is something else. The first book I read was by John Grisham: The Runaway Jury (New York Times Best Seller). The author needs no introduction, he is a profound writer and almost all of his books revolve around legal scenarios. The reason behind this is that John himself was a lawyer and knew all the ins and outs of writing on the topic.

The PlotComing back to the book: The Runaway Jury, it talks about one of the biggest cases in Mississippi and the tricks used to win by both parties. It was a lawsuit against the tobacco company (a million-dollar industry) and if they lose the losses could be devastating. A widow had sued the company because of their product which killed her husband, and she now wanted justice.

There is a notorious defendant who has access to unlimited funds and would never hesitate to try all the dirty tricks to bring the jury on his side. On the other hand, there is a prosecutor who uses his charm in the courtroom to impress everyone present. So not only the jury but media also supports his client and feels sympathetic towards her. The story details the process of hiring and eliminating the jury, after which the actual battle starts. The twist comes

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when one of the jurors tries to outsmart the lawyers and the Honorable Judge.

The JurorSelecting a jury was not a child's game, a lot of time, energy, and money were spent on it. After all, they were the ones who had the power to decide the fate of the accused (tobacco company) and the grieved (the widow). The attorneys had to make sure that the person sitting on the bench would vote in their favor, it was a meticulous process.

Everything was going according to the plan of the notorious lawyer. But then Juror No. 2 (Mr A) decided to play his cards which surprised everyone, including the Judge. Mr A has entered the jury with an intention and this could prove fatal to one of the parties. Which one you ask? Well, that is the part where the mind of the reader will be blown away.

The case could be in the hands of the prosecutor or the defendant, depending on how would they play their cards in this cruel game.

The Conclusion John Grisham has explained the process from the start to the end in such an intriguing manner that it makes you want to keep on reading. Normally, law things bore most people, but this book would change their minds. As the chapter continues the storyline becomes more exciting, and I couldn't help but scream OMG!!!! in certain scenarios.

Talking about the title: The Runaway Jury, the meaning depends upon the reader's perspective. For me, I thought the title was given because, first Mr. A was always on a run, and second some of the jurors wanted to run away or were forced to do so.

PS: There is a movie made with the same title.