Sparring Partners

Explore the depiction of romantic relationships in “Homecoming.” How does Jake Brigance’s relationship with his wife differ from that of Mack Stafford?

What similarities or differences can you identify between the depiction of Jake in “Homecoming” and his depiction in other works by John Grisham? How has the character evolved over time?

How does Grisham’s work for The Innocence Project inform “Strawberry Moon”? Where is his history of advocacy visible in the novella?

“Strawberry Moon” takes place in just under three hours, as Cody Wallace prepares for execution. What is the effect of this time-sensitive structure?

Cody’s innocence is not revealed until the novella’s penultimate chapter. How does this impact major themes in the novella, such as the cruelty of the death penalty or the need for criminal justice reform?

“Sparring Partners” features Grisham’s most corrupt lawyers and government figures. How does his depiction of the legal and criminal justice system in this novella differ from his other works?

Explore the ending of “Sparring Partners.” What does Diantha Bradshaw’s escape to Zurich say about the nature of power? Does Grisham leave room for the Malloy brothers to escape imprisonment?

Why does Grisham dedicate so much space in the beginning of the novella to the Trey Brewster case? How do the court scenes help to establish reader expectations for the firm?