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The Testament
The Testament
Author: John Grisham
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 har...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780385339582
ISBN-10: 0385339585
Publication Date: 9/27/2005
Pages: 480
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 83

3.9 stars, based on 83 ratings
Publisher: Delta
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

scrapbooklady avatar reviewed The Testament on + 472 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
I am an avid reader and not of just one author. John Grisham books are on my booklist but I read just about everyone at one point or another. If I am not engaged by the first few pages in any book I pick up, and held so thoughout the story, I don't waste my time with the rest of the book. "The Testament" grabbed me from the first page and held my interest all the way through to the end. It was a page-turner for me. What I liked about the story was that I developed definite feelings about the characters even though Grisham did not say a lot about them other than their antics and a bit of background here and there. Grishman was very good at creating characters that a reader will either care about or not care for. The other thing I liked was that the story was transformational on various levels and not just for the lead character. Nate O'Riley, the alcoholic, drug addicted, constant rehab dwelling attorney, was a character that I truely appreciated getting to know. I enjoyed watching him as he passed through life-tests that he sometimes failed and sometimes conquered. Even with Rachel Lane, who you did not know much about at all, you got a good depth of her personality through Nate's observations of her. Lastly, the story talks about what a lot of money can do to people, how it corrupts, blinds, and befuddles a sane mind into doing insane things with it. But it also told the reader through more than one character that it's hard to blame people for how they deal with money because of how they were brought to it. It's a very thoughtful read and I would recommend "The Testament" to anyone who enjoys a good read and a good mystery that has a very unpredictable ending.
reviewed The Testament on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
An entertaining read, fun to see how convoluted the human mind becomes when money is in the midst of it all. Mr. Grisham does not let us down with this one; happy reading.
reviewed The Testament on + 103 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
A disgraced corporate attorney, who has come out of rehab for the umpteenth time, is sent to the wilds of Brazil in search of the illegitimate, missionary daughter of a dead millionaire, who has left most of his estate to her. As usual, Grisham's characters are well-formed and complex, and his plot is fast-paced and thrilling. A great read
76kendra avatar reviewed The Testament on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is my favorite Grisham novel to date! Very similar to his other books, a story line of legalities, but it takes you where Grisham has never led you! Just when you think he is predictable, you'll find yourself on a journey you never thought you'd be on! I HIGHLY recommend this book to all Grisham fans!!!
bugeyes avatar reviewed The Testament on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is my favorite of all the Grisham books and one of his earliest. The mysterious tycoon dying at the beginning, the greedy family awaiting their share of the fortune, and the story behind the hunt,by the once fallen but now honest lawyer, for the humble unsuspecting heir with all the machinations that the greedy heir wannabees can think of to stop the execution of the decedants final wishes.
There is drama, intrigue, and yes, a moral to the story.
Read All 175 Book Reviews of "The Testament"

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reviewed The Testament on
Read it right after taking wills and estate in college and it was awesome how the dad thought everything through. Sad ending
reviewed The Testament on + 140 more book reviews
A very good story!
doar avatar reviewed The Testament on + 7 more book reviews
LOVED this book!
knittymama avatar reviewed The Testament on + 424 more book reviews
This was my first Grisham book. I enjoyed it very much. It was complex and yet simple. It is a quick read that keeps you turning the pages. The characters are interesting and likeable. I will definitely read another Grisham book after this.
reviewed The Testament on + 160 more book reviews
John Grisham will keep you turning the page. Very good story about a high price lawyer who lived too hard, too fast and for too long.
MKSbooklady avatar reviewed The Testament on + 937 more book reviews
More Brazilian jungle than Virginia courtroom in this Grisham. A different sort of story, interesting story about greed, greedy children, wives, lawyers. As usual an interesting 'wait until you see this' Grisham book.
mrrob avatar reviewed The Testament on + 83 more book reviews
I've read many of John Grisham's books and enjoyed them all. However, I just could not stay with this one. Dysfunctional families & alcoholics, while I understand is a reality in this world we live in, I really don't like to read about them.
After initially starting to read the story, I put it down and read two others. Finally, after running out of something else to read, I picked it up only to wonder "why am I plodding through this?"
So I decided to offer it here in case someone else wants it!
reviewed The Testament on
A fast paced book that is an interesting read. It holds the reader's attention.
reviewed The Testament on
A vindictive man prepares his will and causes mayhem. A real thriller in the Grisham style. Engrossing to read.


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