47 pages • 1 hour read
A Civil Action
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Book Brief
502
Book • Nonfiction
Woburn, Massachusetts • 1980s
1995
Adult
18+ years
1000L
Super Short Summary
A Civil Action by Jonathan Harr recounts the legal battle in Woburn, Massachusetts, where families, led by Anne Anderson, sue corporations Beatrice Foods and W.R. Grace for allegedly contaminating groundwater and causing leukemia clusters. Lawyer Jan Schlichtmann takes the arduous case, facing immense legal and financial challenges. The narrative delves into the detailed legal process, reflecting themes of justice, bureaucracy, and obsession. The book received the 1995 National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction and was adapted into a film in 1998. Topics include serious illnesses affecting children.
Informative
Mysterious
Dark
Challenging
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
17,459 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jonathan Harr's A Civil Action is widely acclaimed for its riveting depiction of a legal battle against corporate pollution. Praised for its meticulous research and compelling narrative, the book captivates readers with its detailed portrayal of courtroom drama and moral complexities. However, some readers find the extensive legal jargon cumbersome. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and engaging read.
Who Should Read A Civil Action?
Readers who enjoy gripping legal dramas with a focus on environmental justice, like John Grisham’s The Pelican Brief, will find Jonathan Harr’s A Civil Action compelling. It appeals to those interested in true stories about corporate negligence, courtroom battles, and moral dilemmas, similar to works like Erin Brockovich.
17,459 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jerome Facher
Jerome Facher
Lead counsel for Beatrice Foods, he is an experienced and formidable attorney with a reputation for aggressive courtroom tactics.
Judge Walter J. Skinner
Judge Walter J. Skinner
The judge presiding over the Woburn case, he is responsible for managing the complex legal proceedings and interpreting the scientific data presented.
John Riley
John Riley
Owner of the Beatrice tannery, he is directly involved in the legal case against Beatrice Foods due to the accusations centered on his business operations.
Conway and Gordon
Conway and Gordon
Partners in Jan Schlichtmann's law firm, they provide support and contrast to Jan's intense and sometimes reckless approach to the case.
Anne Anderson
Anne Anderson
A representative of the Woburn families, she is motivated by a personal quest for justice after her son's illness and is instrumental in initiating legal action.
502
Book • Nonfiction
Woburn, Massachusetts • 1980s
1995
Adult
18+ years
1000L
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