John Grisham’s “The Boys from Biloxi” is a riveting saga of friendship, betrayal, rivalry and justice that is set in world of crime. The novel is set in Biloxi, a happening city with pubs, casinos, gambling, prostitution and its connection with organized crime.
Hugh Malco and Keith Rudy, two childhood friends who were once inseparable, part ways to follow the legacy of their fathers. Lance Malco, Hugh’s father makes money from vice whereas Jesse Rudy, Keith’s father is on the other side of the law as a honest lawyer turned district attorney. Over time, both families are often pitted against each other. With Keith and Hugh on the opposite sides of the law, how far will each one take things against the other?
The strength of the novel is the characterisation and attention to detail in staging a city of vice and violence. Despite the overwhelming list of characters, all the primary characters and protagonists have clear character arcs and get the much needed closure. In the first few parts, there is everything happening in the novel - gambling, gang wars, murder, heist, drug trafficking, courtroom drama and at times the backstory and subplots diverge too much. However, the novel settles down as a tale of revenge at the later stage.
Though there are moments of brilliance in the courtroom showdown, most of the action happens outside the courtroom. The great detailing of the process of jury selection, choice of attire for the defendants, strategies employed inside the courtroom by the lawyers and jury tampering is John Grisham playing to his strengths.
The novel is not a compelling page turner, but the staging and showcase of events makes it worth reading. The novel also touches upon the debate on death penalty but doesn’t make it preachy. The massive twist towards the end is a brave piece of writing.
The Boys from Biloxi has just enough to keep the readers engrossed!
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