What do you think?
Rate this book
Fetching Raymond: A Ford County Story
A riveting story of suspense from John Grisham's #1 "New York Times "bestseller, "Ford County"--now available as a standalone eBook short
Wheelchair-bound Inez Graney and her two older sons, Leon and Butch, take a bizarre road trip through the Mississippi Delta to visit the youngest Graney brother, Raymond, who's been locked away on death row for eleven years . . . and it could well be their last visit.
Wheelchair-bound Inez Graney and her two older sons, Leon and Butch, take a bizarre road trip through the Mississippi Delta to visit the youngest Graney brother, Raymond, who's been locked away on death row for eleven years . . . and it could well be their last visit.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
6180 people are currently reading
5012 people want to read
About the author
John Grisham
461 books87.8k followersJohn Grisham is the author of more than fifty consecutive #1 bestsellers, which have been translated into nearly fifty languages. His recent books include Framed, Camino Ghosts and The Exchange: After the Firm.
Grisham is a two-time winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and was honored with the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction.
When he's not writing, Grisham serves on the board of directors of the Innocence Project and of Centurion Ministries, two national organizations dedicated to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted. Much of his fiction explores deep-seated problems in our criminal justice system.
John lives on a farm in central Virginia.
Grisham is a two-time winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and was honored with the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction.
When he's not writing, Grisham serves on the board of directors of the Innocence Project and of Centurion Ministries, two national organizations dedicated to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted. Much of his fiction explores deep-seated problems in our criminal justice system.
John lives on a farm in central Virginia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews
May 6, 2021
An inconsequential short story which surprisingly fails on many fronts especially when considering who wrote it. Of all his plots this one is pedestrian, predictable and foolish to say the least. Fortunately it's very short!
January 5, 2022
Raymond Graney(41) killed Deputy Coy Childers & is on death row for 11 years. His family arrives for the execution day, Inez(mom) & brothers - Butch & Leon. He has asked for many new lawyers & Continuances.
When taken to the "gas chamber" he finally admits shooting Childers. "Fetching Raymond" for burial in "Ford County" by the family is complete - with no town grief/attendance.
I love many of Grisham's that were turned into a movie.
This is one were Movie Producers could make a great movies with the initial crime followed by the prison hardships ending with an emotional scene of admitting the crime & no grievance to his death.
(Amazon/Library ebook)
When taken to the "gas chamber" he finally admits shooting Childers. "Fetching Raymond" for burial in "Ford County" by the family is complete - with no town grief/attendance.
I love many of Grisham's that were turned into a movie.
This is one were Movie Producers could make a great movies with the initial crime followed by the prison hardships ending with an emotional scene of admitting the crime & no grievance to his death.
(Amazon/Library ebook)
August 25, 2020
Very well written story about the death penalty. Incredible details and strong characters support this great work.
March 10, 2014
Ford County to Death Row
Ford County to Death Row
All too real tale of the effects of poverty, alcoholism, abuse,a woman, three boys and how wrong life goes with nowhere to go but down the road to hell and back over and over. Detailed effects on and of each one doing the best they can to cope, deal and support one another as one Son lives and dies on death row. Well written.
Ford County to Death Row
All too real tale of the effects of poverty, alcoholism, abuse,a woman, three boys and how wrong life goes with nowhere to go but down the road to hell and back over and over. Detailed effects on and of each one doing the best they can to cope, deal and support one another as one Son lives and dies on death row. Well written.
May 9, 2018
good story from Grisham, also appears in one of his short story collections
November 28, 2012
Available at DailyLit.
If you already have read any book by this author, consider this more than enough because the plots hardly change from one book to another.
If you already have read any book by this author, consider this more than enough because the plots hardly change from one book to another.
June 5, 2017
John Grisham took us on a brief journey of the final moments that a family had spent with a condemned son/brother on death row only minutes away from his execution. It was a well-written short story with a grim tale.
Raymond Graney was one of three brothers who had always found themselves on the wrong side of the law. All three has spent time in prison at one time or another. Now it was Raymond's turn. He had been found guilty in the first-degree for the murder of a deputy by a Mississippi jury and sentenced to death. While incarcerated he studied law and fought for his own appeals - to no avail. He had been given a last meal, said his last goodbyes and had been taken away. There was no way to sugarcoat this.
Raymond Graney was one of three brothers who had always found themselves on the wrong side of the law. All three has spent time in prison at one time or another. Now it was Raymond's turn. He had been found guilty in the first-degree for the murder of a deputy by a Mississippi jury and sentenced to death. While incarcerated he studied law and fought for his own appeals - to no avail. He had been given a last meal, said his last goodbyes and had been taken away. There was no way to sugarcoat this.
July 8, 2023
4.5⭐
This was sad. Found a collection of short stories from John Grisham. I love his southern atmospheres.
This was sad. Found a collection of short stories from John Grisham. I love his southern atmospheres.
August 21, 2020
Wonderful book and engaging. Following the path of death row inmate and his family felt so real it was like I was in the room.
I could almost smell the the fries and onion rings as the last meal was consumed. Brilliant but read with a dictionary
I could almost smell the the fries and onion rings as the last meal was consumed. Brilliant but read with a dictionary
February 15, 2014
Grisham takes the reader back to where it all began, Ford County, Mississippi, for this tale of a family on a journey they don't want to make. As the Graneys make their way to Parchman Penitentiary, they begin to speak about their son and brother, Raymond, whose life on death row was filled with many interesting happenings. From his discovery of the dictionary and the language nuances that brings to the multiple conversions of faith and his requirement of a monthly stipend for costs unknown. The journey, in a carpet van, has the reader feeling as though they are another member of the family, fully read-in to the happenings that led to this death row placement and potential execution. Grisham details the family's journey there and time with Ray Graney as he files his legal briefs in hopes of finding his way home. Not all stories can have the happy ending of fairytales, no matter whose at the literary helm.
Great work, Mr. Grisham. I remember this story in the FORD COUNTY collection years ago and find it to be one of the best of the batch. Your abilities never cease to amaze me.
Great work, Mr. Grisham. I remember this story in the FORD COUNTY collection years ago and find it to be one of the best of the batch. Your abilities never cease to amaze me.
January 28, 2025
This feels like the most "for what" thing I've ever read 😂 this was just boring and nothing at all happened... was the suspense in the room with us? 🤔
June 14, 2020
Meh. Didn't see the point but at least it was a short story.
November 6, 2018
This short novel by John Grisham tells the story of a Mississippi mother and her two older sons who travel to Parchman Prison in Ford County to to be with their convicted killer youngest son before his execution in the gas chamber. The family, all damaged and dysfunctional, endure their last visit to death row listening to Raymond's disillusioned ranting and finally hopeless acceptance of his fate. Stark and with few uplifting moments, "Fetching Raymond" thankfully is a quick read with some good John Grisham writing that makes it worthwhile.
July 13, 2018
Another extremely enjoyable tale from one of the greatest story tellers of our time. However, silly me, I didn't read that part that said this was a short story so I guess the book had a real surprise ending in store for me LOL.
I did enjoy the tale and would recommend it to anyone who wants a great page burner with humor, sadness and characters that jump right off the page they are so real and believable.
I did enjoy the tale and would recommend it to anyone who wants a great page burner with humor, sadness and characters that jump right off the page they are so real and believable.
February 2, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip back to Ford County.
His characters are always well written; his descriptions are spot on. I could see the smoke filled van, the contempt on Butch's face, the weary resignation on Leon's face, the heartbreak and sorrow on Inez's face.
He really has a way with words, even though some of his novels use a few too many. :)
His characters are always well written; his descriptions are spot on. I could see the smoke filled van, the contempt on Butch's face, the weary resignation on Leon's face, the heartbreak and sorrow on Inez's face.
He really has a way with words, even though some of his novels use a few too many. :)
August 1, 2020
Death watch
John Grisham's best work are his stories and books about real people and their struggles. I have enjoyed the thrill of books like "A Time to Kill", but when it is all said and done his books and stories like "A Painted House" will stand. I could picture these characters and hear their voices.
John Grisham's best work are his stories and books about real people and their struggles. I have enjoyed the thrill of books like "A Time to Kill", but when it is all said and done his books and stories like "A Painted House" will stand. I could picture these characters and hear their voices.
May 29, 2014
Great thank you Grisham!
Great thank you Grisham!
Another layer of what happens to the families of people involved in crimes,
This makes me feel sorry for the guys' poor mother.
Great thank you Grisham!
Another layer of what happens to the families of people involved in crimes,
This makes me feel sorry for the guys' poor mother.
March 4, 2016
Nothing great.
November 28, 2023
Seorang wanita lansia difabel (Inez Graney) dan dua anak laki-lakinya (Leon dan Butch), melakukan perjalanan memenuhi undangan Penjara Parchman untuk menjemput (calon jenazah) anaknya, Raymond, satu dari tiga bersaudara, yang dijadwalkan akan menjalani hukuman mati di kamar gas pada malam itu.
Raymond Graney dinyatakan bersalah tingkat pertama atas pembunuhan seorang deputi oleh juri Mississippi dan dijatuhi hukuman mati. Saat dipenjara, dia belajar hukum dan memperjuangkan permohonan bandingnya sendiri, namun tidak berhasil. Selama 11 tahun di penjara sebelum dieksekusi, Raymond (Ray) adalah sosok yang optimis, ia belajar yoga, meditasi, kung fu, aerobik, angkat beban, puasa, dan usahanya untuk menjadi penyair, novelis dengan berkali-kali mengirim naskahnya ke New York – yang selalu ditolak – belum lagi kesungguhannya menjadi penyanyi dan musisi, bahkan sempat beberapa kali pindah agama. Namun diam-diam Leon dan Butch sepakat bahwa tulisan Ray memang jelek dan vocal nya pun tidak mengesankan.
Dua jam menjelang eksekusi, Ray masih mengungkapkan rencananya untuk pindah ke Hawai bersama kekasihnya dan punya sepuluh anak. Ray juga masih saja optimis dalam beberapa menit ke depan Mahkamah Agung AS akan mengabulkan peninjauan kembali melalui petisi habeas corpus oleh pengacaranya sehingga akan digelar kembali sidang ulang. Meski kemudian harapan itu pupus saat pengacaranya, Tanner, mengabarkan sebaliknya. Saat Ray membual tentang karya tulisnya dan rencananya pindah ke Hawai, Leon dan Butch sempat merasa bosan dan melirik jam, bahkan terlintas dalam pikiran mereka untuk mencekik mati Ray saat itu juga daripada harus menunggu eksekusi kamar gas. Humor khas Grisham.
Deputi yang pada saat-saat terakhir di kamar gas diakui oleh Ray telah dibunuhnya, adalah seorang deputi menjengkelkan bernama Coy Childers, yang pernah mengancam, melecehkan dan memukuli tiga bersaudara Graney, baik karena alasan sepele maupun tanpa alasan sama sekali. Untuk membalas dendam, Ray mencuri mobil patroli Coy dan Chevrolet baru milik istrinya dan menjualnya ke toko daging. Coy yang curiga berat pada Ray bersumpah akan membunuh Ray. Namun beberapa hari kemudian justru Coy ditemukan bersimbah darah dengan dua lobang peluru di dahinya oleh beberapa pemburu rusa di dekat trailer Ray. Meskipun bukti-bukti lemah, namun tiga orang saksi yang berada di bawah tekanan para deputi berhasil meyakinkan para juri atas kebersalahan Ray.
Kisah ini mengalir apa adanya tanpa ada twist maupun kejutan-kejutan yang mungkin sempat diharapkan pembaca, namun berhasil menggambarkan bagaimana pergolakan rasa duka seorang ibu yang menemui anaknya untuk terakhir kali, menemaninya makan malam dengan menu yang luar biasa enak dan variatif sebagai tradisi “hidangan terakhir” dari penjara, serta menumpahkan segala kerinduannya melalui doa, ucapan selamat tinggal dan pelukan terakhir.
Proses hukuman mati di kamar gas digambarkan dengan cukup eksplisit. Leon dan Butch menyaksikannya secara langsung. Inez, yang selama proses tersebut dikarantina dan diberi obat penenang, sempat menyampaikan penyesalannya tidak ikut menyaksikan. Namun kedua bersaudara tidak sependapat, “You can be thankful for the rest of your days that you didn’t witness the execution. Your last memory of Raymond was a long hug and a nice farewell. Please don’t think you missed anything,” Fetching Ray adalah bagian dari kumpulan cerita pendek Ford County, Mississippi, sebuah tempat yang juga merupakan latar dari debut Grisham, A Time To Kill.
Raymond Graney dinyatakan bersalah tingkat pertama atas pembunuhan seorang deputi oleh juri Mississippi dan dijatuhi hukuman mati. Saat dipenjara, dia belajar hukum dan memperjuangkan permohonan bandingnya sendiri, namun tidak berhasil. Selama 11 tahun di penjara sebelum dieksekusi, Raymond (Ray) adalah sosok yang optimis, ia belajar yoga, meditasi, kung fu, aerobik, angkat beban, puasa, dan usahanya untuk menjadi penyair, novelis dengan berkali-kali mengirim naskahnya ke New York – yang selalu ditolak – belum lagi kesungguhannya menjadi penyanyi dan musisi, bahkan sempat beberapa kali pindah agama. Namun diam-diam Leon dan Butch sepakat bahwa tulisan Ray memang jelek dan vocal nya pun tidak mengesankan.
Dua jam menjelang eksekusi, Ray masih mengungkapkan rencananya untuk pindah ke Hawai bersama kekasihnya dan punya sepuluh anak. Ray juga masih saja optimis dalam beberapa menit ke depan Mahkamah Agung AS akan mengabulkan peninjauan kembali melalui petisi habeas corpus oleh pengacaranya sehingga akan digelar kembali sidang ulang. Meski kemudian harapan itu pupus saat pengacaranya, Tanner, mengabarkan sebaliknya. Saat Ray membual tentang karya tulisnya dan rencananya pindah ke Hawai, Leon dan Butch sempat merasa bosan dan melirik jam, bahkan terlintas dalam pikiran mereka untuk mencekik mati Ray saat itu juga daripada harus menunggu eksekusi kamar gas. Humor khas Grisham.
Deputi yang pada saat-saat terakhir di kamar gas diakui oleh Ray telah dibunuhnya, adalah seorang deputi menjengkelkan bernama Coy Childers, yang pernah mengancam, melecehkan dan memukuli tiga bersaudara Graney, baik karena alasan sepele maupun tanpa alasan sama sekali. Untuk membalas dendam, Ray mencuri mobil patroli Coy dan Chevrolet baru milik istrinya dan menjualnya ke toko daging. Coy yang curiga berat pada Ray bersumpah akan membunuh Ray. Namun beberapa hari kemudian justru Coy ditemukan bersimbah darah dengan dua lobang peluru di dahinya oleh beberapa pemburu rusa di dekat trailer Ray. Meskipun bukti-bukti lemah, namun tiga orang saksi yang berada di bawah tekanan para deputi berhasil meyakinkan para juri atas kebersalahan Ray.
Kisah ini mengalir apa adanya tanpa ada twist maupun kejutan-kejutan yang mungkin sempat diharapkan pembaca, namun berhasil menggambarkan bagaimana pergolakan rasa duka seorang ibu yang menemui anaknya untuk terakhir kali, menemaninya makan malam dengan menu yang luar biasa enak dan variatif sebagai tradisi “hidangan terakhir” dari penjara, serta menumpahkan segala kerinduannya melalui doa, ucapan selamat tinggal dan pelukan terakhir.
Proses hukuman mati di kamar gas digambarkan dengan cukup eksplisit. Leon dan Butch menyaksikannya secara langsung. Inez, yang selama proses tersebut dikarantina dan diberi obat penenang, sempat menyampaikan penyesalannya tidak ikut menyaksikan. Namun kedua bersaudara tidak sependapat, “You can be thankful for the rest of your days that you didn’t witness the execution. Your last memory of Raymond was a long hug and a nice farewell. Please don’t think you missed anything,” Fetching Ray adalah bagian dari kumpulan cerita pendek Ford County, Mississippi, sebuah tempat yang juga merupakan latar dari debut Grisham, A Time To Kill.
March 10, 2021
The second story in Grisham’s collection Ford County is also the second to not take place in Ford County. Instead, it follows two brothers and their mother on a road trip to visit a third brother before his execution. Grisham has long been a proponent of abolishing the death penalty and that theme is woven throughout many of his books. The only kudos I’ll give him this time around is that, usually, death penalty abolitionists focus on stories of the repentant or innocent. There’s no doubt here that Raymond is guilty, unrepentant, and narcissistic. It’s possible that Grisham was trying to make a note about mental illness, but it’s not altogether clear.
The story is told as conversations between the brothers and their mother, as well as reading from a series of letters written by Raymond. Raymond writes in florid prose that reads as if he used a thesaurus on every word. (I did this once at age eleven. The paper I wrote was unreadable, but it did help my vocabulary.) Grisham is the one reading the audiobook version and between his grating monotone and the over-the-top prose, it’s an unpleasant experience.
We learn that Raymond has constantly requested money from the three, that he’s written several terrible novels, and that there is no chance of a last-second reprieve. Raymond is killed and his body is transported back to Ford County, where he is laid unceremoniously in a grave.
Thematically, Grisham’s point seems to be that the death penalty is unjust no matter what, but with a tepid story and unlikable characters, I found myself wishing for the guy to die just so it’d be over.
The story is told as conversations between the brothers and their mother, as well as reading from a series of letters written by Raymond. Raymond writes in florid prose that reads as if he used a thesaurus on every word. (I did this once at age eleven. The paper I wrote was unreadable, but it did help my vocabulary.) Grisham is the one reading the audiobook version and between his grating monotone and the over-the-top prose, it’s an unpleasant experience.
We learn that Raymond has constantly requested money from the three, that he’s written several terrible novels, and that there is no chance of a last-second reprieve. Raymond is killed and his body is transported back to Ford County, where he is laid unceremoniously in a grave.
Thematically, Grisham’s point seems to be that the death penalty is unjust no matter what, but with a tepid story and unlikable characters, I found myself wishing for the guy to die just so it’d be over.
August 12, 2023
FETCHING RAYMOND is a pathetic short story. The protagonist, Raymond comes from a broken home, has lots of undeveloped qualities: writing, music. His mother is Inez Graney, his father, Ernie and his brothers, Butch Graney and Leon Graney. Their upbringing lands them into crime.
Deputy Coy Childers, many times, arrests Raymond Graney both for offences he commits and doesn't commit. To that end, Raymond develops animosity against Deputy Coy Childers. Raymond's animosity sends Deputy Childers to the underworld. Arrested and incarcerated, Raymond faces the trial for the murder of Deputy Coy Childers.
In the prison, Raymond impregnates his girlfriend, Tallulah. Raymond's family contributes for his welfare and the criminal defense. His high-handedness affects his writing and relationship with lawyers. The last counsel, Tanner, is a habinger of the final decision of the supreme court which determines the Raymond fate.
Now the reader should know the following: was Raymond convicted of the crime of the murder of Deputy Coy Childers? Was a lethal gas used as a death sentence? Did the family of Raymond who visited him on a borrowed van, from Mr. McBride, fetch him alive or death? What did John Grisham tend to achieve with the novel?
As a reader, I have empathy for Raymond as I have empathy for the protagonist, Hellen Uche Nzoka in my book, THE HURRICANE.
I recommend the book, FETCHING RAYMOND, to lovers of THRILLER.
Deputy Coy Childers, many times, arrests Raymond Graney both for offences he commits and doesn't commit. To that end, Raymond develops animosity against Deputy Coy Childers. Raymond's animosity sends Deputy Childers to the underworld. Arrested and incarcerated, Raymond faces the trial for the murder of Deputy Coy Childers.
In the prison, Raymond impregnates his girlfriend, Tallulah. Raymond's family contributes for his welfare and the criminal defense. His high-handedness affects his writing and relationship with lawyers. The last counsel, Tanner, is a habinger of the final decision of the supreme court which determines the Raymond fate.
Now the reader should know the following: was Raymond convicted of the crime of the murder of Deputy Coy Childers? Was a lethal gas used as a death sentence? Did the family of Raymond who visited him on a borrowed van, from Mr. McBride, fetch him alive or death? What did John Grisham tend to achieve with the novel?
As a reader, I have empathy for Raymond as I have empathy for the protagonist, Hellen Uche Nzoka in my book, THE HURRICANE.
I recommend the book, FETCHING RAYMOND, to lovers of THRILLER.
July 28, 2022
FETCHING RAYMOND marked John Grisham’s first time returning to Ford County since A TIME TO KILL, his debut novel. It’s a short and bittersweet slice of life about a family on their way to say goodbye to their brother and son, respectively, on the day before he is sentenced to death.
FETCHING runs a gamut of emotions over its brief page count. Grisham’s trademark dry wit is on display for the first part of the story, and then the tone grows somber as the characters realize what’s about to happen and make their peace with it. We leave them as life goes on. Raymond is already receding. They have jobs to work, bills to pay, relationships to navigate.
We don’t spend many pages with this family—they’re not connected to Jake Brigance or any of the other Ford County regulars—but this day spent with them, traveling, grousing, hinting at old wounds and habits and relationships, until they have to say goodbye, makes an impression.
FETCHING runs a gamut of emotions over its brief page count. Grisham’s trademark dry wit is on display for the first part of the story, and then the tone grows somber as the characters realize what’s about to happen and make their peace with it. We leave them as life goes on. Raymond is already receding. They have jobs to work, bills to pay, relationships to navigate.
We don’t spend many pages with this family—they’re not connected to Jake Brigance or any of the other Ford County regulars—but this day spent with them, traveling, grousing, hinting at old wounds and habits and relationships, until they have to say goodbye, makes an impression.
May 11, 2024
FETCHING RAYMOND: A FORD COUNTY STORY by John Grisham -- This short tale by one of America's great storytellers is suspenseful and riveting. Raymond Graney, youngest brother of three, has been on death row for eleven years for murdering a sheriff's deputy. Despite his legal efforts, he is scheduled to die. His mother and two brothers borrow a truck for the long drive from their home in Ford County on the Mississippi Delta to the state prison. It will be their last visit. Raymond maintains his innocence up until his last moments in the gas chamber, when he finally confesses, asks forgiveness, and his death is witnessed by his family. The title derives from the family accompanying the body and casket back to their home in Ford County and the final burial. This is great storytelling by a great storyteller.
November 13, 2019
Not sure what the person was smoking when they wrote the description but it's wrong. It's far from suspenseful, and the road trip isn't really mentioned at all and especially not bizarre and both brothers know it's their last.
This was a hilarious story, I was holding a sleeping baby while reading it and I was shaking so hard he kept waking up - there's no way you can't read this without laughing at least once, it's hysterical. There is no love lost between the three brothers and everyone knows it. The only thing I don't like is the accent, and the constant "y'all", but I guess that's what it's like in Mississippi and it didn't detract from the story at all.
5 stars for being the funniest short story I've probably ever read, 100% will read again someday!
This was a hilarious story, I was holding a sleeping baby while reading it and I was shaking so hard he kept waking up - there's no way you can't read this without laughing at least once, it's hysterical. There is no love lost between the three brothers and everyone knows it. The only thing I don't like is the accent, and the constant "y'all", but I guess that's what it's like in Mississippi and it didn't detract from the story at all.
5 stars for being the funniest short story I've probably ever read, 100% will read again someday!
January 8, 2022
This shortcut story (Ford County) was quite good. The Graney's are a dysfunctional family, Leon, Butch and Raymond are habitual offenders and have been in and out of prison their Father has long gone from their lives.
They borrow a van and Inez who is wheel chair bound and her two sons, Leon and Butch drive to the prison where her youngest sibling, Raymond has been serving an eleven year sentence and is to be executed.
Raymond is like a Walter Mitty type of character he imagines that he has a whole team of lawyers ready to stage a last minute stay of execution but there has only every been the one lawyer. He also claims to have wrote numerous books but no publisher will publish them. He has a girlfriend called Tallulah whom he met via letter she was from one of the abolitionist groups and he had plans to marry her which never panned out.
They borrow a van and Inez who is wheel chair bound and her two sons, Leon and Butch drive to the prison where her youngest sibling, Raymond has been serving an eleven year sentence and is to be executed.
Raymond is like a Walter Mitty type of character he imagines that he has a whole team of lawyers ready to stage a last minute stay of execution but there has only every been the one lawyer. He also claims to have wrote numerous books but no publisher will publish them. He has a girlfriend called Tallulah whom he met via letter she was from one of the abolitionist groups and he had plans to marry her which never panned out.
December 15, 2023
Three lowbrows - mother, Inez, and two bothers, Leon and Butch - drive to the penitentiary to see a third brother the night he is executed, and then bring him back to be buried in their hometown of Clanton. They travel in a borrowed van (no reliable wheels of their own), smoke cigarettes, and munch on snack food, as they ruminate about the situation. Raymond has killed a deputy and will breath poison gas at midnight.
There's little mystery (Raymond boasts of lawyers pleading his case) and no tension, but simply a close look at poor folks suffering their ignorance. They are not likeable but also not detestable - plain, dumb, simple people driven by the most basic of interests - food, booze, smokes, sleep. Fortunately it's only a novella.
There's little mystery (Raymond boasts of lawyers pleading his case) and no tension, but simply a close look at poor folks suffering their ignorance. They are not likeable but also not detestable - plain, dumb, simple people driven by the most basic of interests - food, booze, smokes, sleep. Fortunately it's only a novella.
August 5, 2022
Short story about a sad loser family who went on a road trip to Parchman Prison to witness the death of their younger brother Raymond. He killed the deputy outside of his trailer home. Raymond was full of bravado and big words telling his family how he and teams of lawyers were fighting for his release.
His mother who is in her seventies and in a wheelchair, blames everything wrong on her ex husband. All three of her son's have been sent to Parchman for crimes.
As each appeal is turned down, Raymond finally loses his bravado and apologizes to his family. He is gassed in the chamber and his family returns home to bury him
His mother who is in her seventies and in a wheelchair, blames everything wrong on her ex husband. All three of her son's have been sent to Parchman for crimes.
As each appeal is turned down, Raymond finally loses his bravado and apologizes to his family. He is gassed in the chamber and his family returns home to bury him
January 10, 2023
I could not put it down waiting to see what more was coming from Raymond! The mom was so naive that anything Raymond told her she believed ! He was a prolific liar and he didn't get that way over night .
I felt sorry for Leon ,he had pulled himself out of the pits and turned his life around . However,the brothers never tried to better themselves. Mother still expected him to send money to to the one in prison each month . That was ridiculous . That was like a reward ,Raymond had a huge amount of money when he died . All he ever talked to the family about was MONEY !
I felt sorry for Leon ,he had pulled himself out of the pits and turned his life around . However,the brothers never tried to better themselves. Mother still expected him to send money to to the one in prison each month . That was ridiculous . That was like a reward ,Raymond had a huge amount of money when he died . All he ever talked to the family about was MONEY !
May 28, 2020
THAT HURT!!!
A little old Jewish grandma in Florida, I read A LOT. Mystery, yes. Murder, too. I've read John Grisham's work before, BUT THIS was so graphic... I can just hear MY grandmother's voice saying.... "It tears me out mine heart! " With this Virus around, feelings are raw and painful. If we could work through and get rid of the pain of RACISM as we will eventually do with the Corona thing... We CAN and WILL return to LOVE. Let's just remember what is REAL!
A little old Jewish grandma in Florida, I read A LOT. Mystery, yes. Murder, too. I've read John Grisham's work before, BUT THIS was so graphic... I can just hear MY grandmother's voice saying.... "It tears me out mine heart! " With this Virus around, feelings are raw and painful. If we could work through and get rid of the pain of RACISM as we will eventually do with the Corona thing... We CAN and WILL return to LOVE. Let's just remember what is REAL!
October 11, 2018
Thought there would be more background, didn’t realize it was a short story. Pretty good though. Moving on to the next book. Thank you. I probably would recommend it as a quick read.
Pretty good, didn’t realize it was a short story. Would have liked it to have more background . Thank you
Pretty good, didn’t realize it was a short story. Would have liked it to have more background . Thank you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews