The Testament

Author: John Grisham
Other books by Author: The Rainmaker, The Pelican Brief, A Time to Kill, The Firm, The Client, The Chamber

General Summary and Plot
A multibillionaire signs a holographic will in front of his lawyer and a few psychiatrists then jumps out a fourteen story window. His last will left his fortune to an unknown, illegitimate daughter, Rachel, who he had finally tracked to the jungles of Brazil where she worked as a missionary. His three ex-wives and six legitimate children were irate. A recovering druggy/alcoholic lawyer, Nate O’Reilly, is sent on a mission to find this woman, inform her of her inheritance, and advise her legally.
After many troubles and near-death experiences Nate finds this woman. She has forsaken civilization and is happily living and evangelizing an Indian tribe. She is inspiring and peaceful, yet she does not want the money and does not wan to sign papers. Nate must return unsuccessful. The jungle (and God) has changed him; he forsakes his former life and pursues a peaceful life and healing with his estranged children. Nate acts as Rachel’s lawyer (without her knowledge) and the other heirs settle for a portion of the estate.

Positive Elements
There are too many to list! An incredible book, action, drama, conflict, colorful characters, inner struggles – everything! The legal narratives are broken up with jungle adventures so they do not become too tedious. A man turns his life around with help from a humble missionary and a merciful God. A poor selfless missionary becomes and instant billionaire.

Spiritual Content
The missionary speaks of her work with the tribe. She urges Nate to say his prayers. She speaks of God’s forgiveness and mercy and actually leads Nate through a prayer for salvation.
In a small Brazilian church Nate gives his life and problems to God. He often reminds himself his problems no longer are his to worry about. Jesus will take care of them now.
Back in the U.S. Nate attends a church and the pastor encourages studying the Bible

Negative Elements
Greedy children and wives pepper the story with interesting, sad anecdotes. Nate is a messed up man addicted to (drugs I believe).

Profanity
Moderate, though too many to keep track of.

Sexual Content
An heir owns strip clubs and is married to a former stripper
Another heiress mentions wasting money on men and drugs
Some are having affairs.
The billionaire even as an old man liked curvy young women.
A secretary lies about having sex with the billionaire during his last months.

Violence
Is suicide violence?

Alcohol and Drugs
Nate tries to drink himself to death and has been in rehab three times for cocaine and alcohol abuse.
While Nate is in a hospital with fever he is “stoned” with prescribed medicine.
The eldest heir is a drunk.
Nate’s son and girlfriend insist on meeting in a bar and drinking.

Overall Theme
There is more peace and security in a quiet life in God’s will (as shown by Rachel and Phil, Nate’s new pastor friend) than in piles of money, alcohol, drugs, or women.

Conclusion
This book was incredible. You can see the contrast of greedy, selfish scoundrels and their conniving deceitfulness and the peaceful, relaxed existence of those in God’s will. If Grisham was not a saved man at the time of writing this book he may have persuaded himself. He sure is persuading his readers.

Suggested age group
Over eighteen because of the sexual references and occasional cursing.