I read John Grisham's "The Confession" about two months ago.

[Demoiselle]

Yes, it's fiction. But it is also a frightening account of how our "justice" system can murder the innocent.
I found it terribly painful to read, because Grisham's understanding of the system and his ability to create real people in his stories made it feel completely authentic.
And then the Davis story unfolded in real life.
A few details differed, (The setting is Texas, not Georgia, a high school girl is the victim, not an off-duty cop, the innocent accused "confesses" after an endless interrogation wears him down and he's so confused and disoriented he thinks that maybe his questioners are right, and he did do something wrong....)
But most of it could be the same story. Including a pivotal witness who lies and later (too late!) recants.
Perhaps the saddest detail of all in Grisham's story is how the victim's mother becomes a media star...

In any case, I recommend the book.. If you can stand to read it.

[NV Whino]

1. Excellent book

Had to keep a box of Kleenex handy as I read it.

[monmouth]

2. I would love for someone to interview him to get what he was thinking. I'm

with you, no one can tell a story like he can, Scott Turow also..

[PA Democrat]

3. Check out Grisham's book "The Innocent Man" NON fiction

about a man wrongly convicted of murder and nearly executed before he was finally exonerated and released from prison. The prosecutorial misconduct in the case was shocking.

http://www.amazon.com/Innocent-Man-Murder-Injustice-Small/dp/0385517238

[Happyhippychick]

4. I couldn't get through the second chapter, it made me furious.

I agree with what you said.

[Demoiselle]

5. I, too, was furious...and weepy...but

I felt a kind of duty to finish it...

[bigwillq]

6. Grisham is very good.

Have read quite a few of his books. Don't think I have read "The Confession", though. I will have to check it out.

[brer cat]

7. I read it this week.

It was hard to get through with the Troy Davis execution at hand. Grisham is a Southerner and knows exactly how the system works. Once they get their "boy", nothing is going to alter the course.

He is a good writer. I also recommend Innocent Man, which was noted upthread.

[Odin2005]

8. I'm an avid Grisham fan. Had to read "The Pelican Brief" in high school and was hooked.

His books are why I have little faith in the American justice system.

[ohheckyeah]

9. I just finished

The Confession and as the OP said it is painful to read.

If you haven't read it, do yourself a favor and get the book. I couldn't put it down until I finished it.


I think The Confession is one of Grisham's finest books.