The Exchange: After the Firm

Story was a slow start

In the conclusion to an Author’s Note at the end of this book, The Exchange, John Grisham says, “A special thanks to the readers who have enjoyed The Firm over the years and have been kind enough to write and ask: Will we ever see Mitch and Abby (McDeere) again?” Well, The Exchange is Grisham’s 41st novel, and 38 others have been written by this prolific author since The Firm, the book that introduced the McDeere’s to this author’s readership. In terms of time, it has been fifteen years since Mitch McDeere stole $15 million from the mob and disappeared. In its passing narrative, occupying some 334 pages from the Hodder and Stoughton publishers, The Exchange fills-in some of the details of that event, by way of offering a possible reason why, since then, Mitch and his wife, Abby, have lived in relative obscurity, with Mitch working his way to being one of the top lawyers working for the biggest law firm in the world, Scully & Pershing. It is not by chance that John Grisham is amongst the foremost writers of his time, and, in The Exchange, John Grisham tells the story of how a new case takes Mitch McDeere to Libya and his involvement in one of the biggest hostage negotiations in recent history. Terrorists who have murdered, and will do so again, have captured a fellow London-based lawyer with the firm of Scully & Pershing, Giovanna, the daughter of a wealthy Italian, Luca. Mitch and Giovanna had been representing Luca in his legal battle with the Libyan government over the latter’s refusal to reimburse Luca for his company's work in building a bridge for the Libyan government in the Libyan desert. Whilst in Libya, Giovanna had been captured by terrorists and held for a $100 million ransom – to be paid within ten days. Mitch, and in due course, his wife Abby, has become central to the negotiations with the terrorists for Giovanna’s release. The narrative of the novel develops from this situation. In some ways, The Exchange is a follow-up to The Firm, but in other ways it is a separate story which, with Grisham’s narrative skills, simply and clearly offers some parallels between Mitch McDeere’s previous experiences and those he now faces and shares with Abby. The difference now is that with the clock ticking, Mitch must remain one step ahead of those who have kidnapped Giovanna. So too, unlike his experiences with the mob who are intent on revenge, there is nowhere where Mitch can now hide. Early in the novel, John Grisham prepares his readers well for what is to come. There is a gradual development of the story, with important background information concerning his major characters. There are no overwhelming emotional or physical junctures, but it is a narrative that gradually draws in the reader as the story continues and develops. When it is reached, the denouement of the plot and the conclusion to the novel provides satisfaction and literary completion, rather than great tension and surprise. This is the mark of an experienced and successful writer, and, in these areas, there are few who are the equal of John Grisham. The Exchange is, for this reviewer, one of the most enjoyable and stimulating of John Grisham’s later novels. Not only does The Exchange reintroduce the character of Mitch McDeere, but there is also a gentle but firm reminder that the author, John Grisham, remains one of the modern legends of literary fiction. The Exchange is well worth its purchase price and comes with this reviewer’s highest recommendation.

Not the best, I feel John Grisham's newer novels to be a tedious read, a bit boring at time

Excellent read. Always enjoy Grisham's books and stories

Good read.

It’s a great continuation of The Firm. If you like action movies etc. this is the book for you