One sentence summary
The Guardians is an entertaining and suspenseful thriller novel written by John Grisham, that tells the story of a well-intentioned couple fighting to save a child from corrupt authorities.
Book genre
The Guardians: A Novel is a suspenseful and thrilling legal fiction book.
Main topic of the book
The main topic of The Guardians is about a couple who are determined to defend a nine-year-old boy from a system corrupted by big money and politics.
Key ideas
- Courage: The lead characters need to summon and use all their courage in order to protect the young boy.
- Justice: They struggle to restore justice to an unjust system tainted by money and powerful people.
- Hope: Despite the odds, they continue the fight for what is right and all the hope for a better future.
Main parts of the book and a short summary
The Guardians: A Novel is set in Seaboro, North Carolina and consists of two main storylines. The first storyline follows the main couple – Quincy and Riley – as they take on the difficult case of protecting a young boy’s future. The second storyline revolves around an Oklahoma oil tycoon named Benny who is looking to acquire the boy’s land. Tension and suspense builds as both parties try to control the situation while struggling to overcome each other’s onslaught of obstacles. As the story progresses the backstories of each characters are revealed, and the action comes to a climax when circumstances cause both sides to confront each other in court.
Key takeaways
- Courage and determination can challenge even the most corrupt system.
- One person can make a difference, even if the odds are against them.
- The drive for justice is a powerful and admirable force.
Author’s background and qualifications
John Grisham is an American novelist best-known for his comebacks in legal thrillers. In addition to writing, he has also served as a Senator in the Mississippi State Legislature. Grisham has published numerous works of fiction and non-fiction and has sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
Target audience
The Guardians: A Novel is suitable for adults and young adults, as it contains elements of suspense and action. The themes are applicable to all ages, and readers will be able to draw strength from the courage and dedication of the main characters.
Publisher and first publication date
The Guardians was published in 2019 by Doubleday and is available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book.