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The Summons
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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780385339599
ISBN: 0385339593
Label: Delta
Manufacturer: Delta
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 304
Publication Date: September 27, 2005
Publisher: Delta
Release Date: September 27, 2005
Studio: Delta
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Editorial Review:
Law professor Ray Atlee and his prodigal brother, Forrest, are summoned home to Clanton, Mississippi, by their ailing father to discuss his will. But when Ray arrives the judge is already dead, and the one-page document dividing his meager estate between the two sons seems crystal clear. What it doesn't mention, however, is the small fortune in cash Ray discovers hidden in the old man's house--$3 million he can't account for and doesn't mention to brother Forrest, either.
Ray's efforts to keep his find a secret, figure out where it came from, and hide it from a nameless extortioner, who seems to know more about it than he does, culminate in a denouement with an almost biblical twist. It's a slender plot to hang a thriller on, and in truth it's not John Grisham's best in terms of pacing, dramatic tension, and interesting characters (except for Harry Rex, a country lawyer who was the judge's closest friend and in many ways is the father Ray wishes he'd had. He's so vivid he jumps off the page). But Grisham's legions of fans are likely to enjoy The Summons even if it lacks the power of some of his classic earlier books, like The Firm, The Brethren, and The Testament. --Jane Adams
Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton, Mississippi--a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years. Now the judge is a shadow of his former self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate. Ray Atlee is the eldest, a Virginia law professor, newly single and still enduring the aftershocks of a surprise divorce. Forrest is Ray’s younger brother, who redefines the notion of a family’s black sheep.The summons is typed by the judge himself, on his handsome old stationery, and gives the date and time for Ray and Forrest to appear in his study. Ray reluctantly heads south to his hometown, to the place where he grew up and now prefers to avoid. But the family meeting does not take place. The judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret known only to Ray.And perhaps someone else.
From the Paperback edition.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Surprisingly Literary
This book has produced a mixed bag of reviews, like any substantial work. I rarely read thrillers, although I loved the immersion of "workaholism" that drenches the first third of The Firm. The Summons is a good and serious read. It's depiction of the Deep South rings true and the characters are quite good (stock can equal universal and be satisfying). Its technical description of legal processes is straight on, as we expect from the author. It is also a very sly morality tale. The Oedipal ... Read More
Rating:  - After Twists & Turns comes one engrossing plot with surprise end
I have read several Grisham book about legal-eagles but none so engrossing and intriguing as this One! I got bogged down a few times in his description of places and persons, yet all-in-all it kept me reading rapidly until I came to his lengthy but surprising end! After slowing down to postpone the ending, I sort of expected somewhat the final end! I was still surprised.
I am also surprised at the variety of opinions expressed in the reviews. Grateful that I stuck it out even learning a bit ... Read More
Rating:  - Sloppy writing
John Grisham grew up in the south and was educated at various schools in Mississippi. The father of the main character in this book, Judge Atlee, has a painting of Nathan Bedford Forrest in his study. One can only assume that Judge Atlee being from Mississippi and having such a picture would view the civil war from the Southern perspective. Most of the battles of the civil war have two names, the Northern name and the Southern name. When referring to these battles Grisham has the judge using the ... Read More
Rating:  - Dissapointing....
Instead of repeating the comments of the other reviewers, I'll simply keep it short and to the point.
At the end of the book, I was left thinking..."that's it??? I could have written a much better ending myself"!
Very unlike most Grisham novels. Don't waste your time.
Rating: - waste of time
As a huge fan of The Firm this book was a disappointment. There are no thrills and no suspense. Spend your time/money elsewhere.
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