The Broker by John Grisham

I have been searching for John Grisham’s latest bestseller “The Broker” for months, and last week I finally got the chance to lay my eyes on it. I found the novel sitting idly at one of Toa Payoh library’s many bookshelves.

“The Broker” is about a Washington lobbyist/power broker, Joel Backman’s escape from his own secret that can claim his life. He has an information too sensitive but strong enough to break a country’s defence and surveillance system. While reading the book, I was constantly reminded of the movie “Enemy of the State” starring Will Smith, whose character’s life fell into grave danger eversince a powerful government secret fell into his hands unexpectedly. If you like fast-paced action thriller, you will enjoy reading this novel.

The character Joel Backman really impessed me with his great survival skill and fighting spirit. He is no combat figure, only a succesful corporate and government broker, but his tactics for survival proves amazing as he fights for his own life. But at some point in the story when he was running around Europe, I find his escape from an assasination attempt by a professional assasin not convincing enough and too good to be true. I doubt if it is that simple.

My favourite part of the story is when he went to Italy, staying there for a few weeks disguising himself as somebody else. He learned Italian and hit the streets and cafes of Bologna, while trying to hide his true identity. John Grisham showcased a detailed and vivid description of Bologna and Italian culture, which was very eye-opening. Italians never drink cappucino after 10am? (but espresso is allowed)? Communism is still very much alive in Italy? Well, yes, according to the novel.
There are also many beautiful descriptions of the impossibly old buildings, sheltered sidewalks and places of interests in the Italian city. Reading those stuff made me feel like I was transported to Italy for a while.

This blend of action, culture and politics by Grisham makes a good weekend read.