Clarissa Review - By: Allen Grisham

This Clarissa Review will deal specifically with the novel Clarissa by John Grisham. Set in 1963 at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, the story centers on a young woman who comes to Mississippi to seek out her birth mother. The war seems to have left her family scattered and divided; as a result, Clarissa's birth is marked with tragedy as well as heartache. When her best friend from childhood moves away, Clarissa takes up with a new man, Francis Taylor, but a tragedy strikes just before their wedding. With the help of a great attorney, Clarissa must find the strength to move forward and accept her new life as her parents' legacy is carried forward.

Grisham does an admirable job of creating a complex, realistic character in Clarissa. His expertise lies in his ability to bring depth and human drama to a story that is often times simplified for the audience. The novel is entertaining and at times heartbreaking, as it deals with the aftermath of a tragedy. The characters are real, and the story is interesting.

I enjoyed this novel very much. Grisham captured the heart of the reader through his writing style and delivered a story that could not be more relevant in our current climate. The character's confusion and emotional roller coasters are engaging. I also thoroughly enjoyed the many historical facts and figures that were brought into the story for the reader's edification and education.

Grisham has managed to create an interesting plot, using the story of Clarissa to address some important issues in our society today. Many people are looking for alternative ways to deal with the current problems we face. Through the story of Clarissa, Grisham offers up an alternative perspective that does not focus on race or gender. Race is merely a part of the backdrop in this book; it is the only character focused on who should act and what should be done that are those who truly make the difference.

This novel is highly Recommended; those who have not read Grisham's other novels will not even realize that it is an alternate history novel. But, for those who have read his work; they will enjoy learning of another time and place in history through this novel. This book is part of the trilogy of Black Death, War of the Roses and Heartstone. All three novels are great reads.

This novel stands on its own for the readers who are eager to learn more about the past. It provides a very good read with excellent character development. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves history and fantasy novels. I hope that you enjoy this novel as much as I enjoyed it.