logo

61 pages 2 hours read

John Grisham

Sycamore Row

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In John Grisham's Sycamore Row, attorney Jake Brigance defends the handwritten will of Seth Hubbard, a wealthy man who leaves his fortune to his Black housekeeper, Lettie Lang, instead of his family. This controversial decision, made just before Hubbard’s death by suicide, ignites a racially charged legal battle in the town of Clanton, Mississippi, revealing deep-seated issues of racial inequality and historical trauma. The book discusses death by suicide and depicts racism, graphic violence, and substance abuse.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

John Grisham's Sycamore Row impresses with its gripping legal drama and rich character development, serving as a compelling sequel to A Time to Kill. While praised for its intricate plot and moral complexity, some critics noted a slow pace and an overabundance of legal minutiae that may deter casual readers. Overall, it's a strong addition for fans of courtroom thrillers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Sycamore Row?

A reader who enjoys Sycamore Row by John Grisham is likely captivated by legal dramas, intricate courtroom battles, and deep moral dilemmas. Fans of Grisham’s own A Time to Kill and Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent will find this novel equally compelling. Ideal for those who appreciate richly drawn characters and suspenseful narratives.

Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Clanton, Mississippi • 1980s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.