Jan/Feb 2012 Group Read: Presumed Innocent

[Pete]

I'm intrigued by the negative reaction to Rusty's infidelity and how that impacts the reader's desire to continue.

This goes to the idea of an unlikable hero - do you have to approve of a hero's morals and ethics in order to want to follow his story? Can good people not do bad things? Does this not add to the novel's moral complexity and ambiguity?

I don't need to approve of a character's lifestyle or decisions - I just have to have a reason to want to follow his story. I think Turow does a superb job of leaving Rusty's guilt or innocence in doubt, and I think the way he portrays Rusty's relationship with his wife is masterful.

[Gatorman]

Pete wrote: "I'm intrigued by the negative reaction to Rusty's infidelity and how that impacts the reader's desire to continue.

This goes to the idea of an unlikable hero - do you have to approve of a hero's m..."

Totally agree.

[Jan C]

Gatorman wrote: "Shell wrote: "I just finished "Presumed Innocent", a well-written legal thriller. Although the author Turow describes Rusty's obsession with Carolyn well, his obsession seemed immature for a succe..."

I'll have to echo that, Gator.

[Laurin]

Pete wrote: "I'm intrigued by the negative reaction to Rusty's infidelity and how that impacts the reader's desire to continue.

This goes to the idea of an unlikable hero - do you have to approve of a hero's m..."

It's not so much that I need to approve of the character. I don't get that invested in characters in books. I was more annoyed with the fact that it seemed to be taking up a good amount of time in the book, with seemingly nothing to show for it. I get now that it's background information for later, but at the time it just seemed a bit boring.

[Gatorman]

How can you know that there's nothing to show for it until you finish the book? The affair happens very early on. I find it impossible to make a judgment about any aspect of a book until it's over and I can see how it did or did not fit into the story.

[Pete]

The widely divergent opinions and perceptions of readers. Marvelous.

[Terry]

Some of these same issues are raised again in Innocent, the sequel that takes place more than twenty years later.

[Pete]

Gatorman wrote: "I know a lot of successful attorneys. They can be very immature!"

In my considerable experience, many successful attorneys raise immaturity to an art form. The relationship between intelligence and maturity is more tenuous than one would hope.

[Jannene]

Gatorman wrote: "How can you know that there's nothing to show for it until you finish the book? The affair happens very early on. I find it impossible to make a judgment about any aspect of a book until it's ove..."

The affair may happen early on but that is my point. I'm not invested in the book. I don't care for any characters at this point. I am not inclined to keep reading about why he loved this woman, what was exciting about her and such if I they fail to show how it fits into the picture. I think the author needed a little more to lure me in and keep me committed to the book; an example would be a likeable character. Even the wife who you feel bad about being cheated on doesn't come off very likeable.

"Do you have to approve of a hero's morals and ethics in order to want to follow his story?"

To be honest, if I'm starting a book and there is some questionable things like an affair I can walk out and not sweat it. I do feel that I have to approve and/or like the morals and ethics of the person I'm reading (except the criminal). In the Kay Scarpetta series, the main character is the mistress of another character in the book. I don't like it but I'm already invested in the series. I already like her and accept her flaw. If it happened in the first book within 50 pages, and kept going on about the affair without any details why we have to read all the details then I would have put it back on the shelf.

[Leonora]

I finished this book a few days ago and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I read a ton of courtroom mystery/true crime and I feel that this was extremely well written. The character development and description is what made this book stand out for me.

**spoilers**

One of my favorite parts was the very end when the Lip (the investigator/friend) brought over the glass with Sabich's fingerprints on it. I think that Lip's doubt about Rusty showed a genuine reaction to the entire murder and trial. In this instance you could really see the friendship between the two men and the strength of their bond - even though some doubt existed loyalty won out.

[Laurin]

I'm about 25% in the book. I'm liking it a bit more.

[Beth]

Presumed Innocent is one of my favorite books and is displayed prominently on my bookshelf. I was amazed at what a fabulous writer Turow is and was captivated from the first paragraph. I also loved the movie (which is rare - I usually love the book but hate the movie) and thought it was very true to the suspense of the book. Sadly, I have not been as in love with his later books.

Oh, and this is my first comment to this group! :)

[Beth]

Obviously brilliant minds think alike!

[Laurin]

I'm into the "Summer" section. It's a lot better now.

[Valerie]

Beth wrote: "Presumed Innocent is one of my favorite books and is displayed prominently on my bookshelf. I was amazed at what a fabulous writer Turow is and was captivated from the first paragraph. I also lov..."

Welcome to the group, and thanks for your post!

[Barbara]

Presumed Innocent is my favorite Turow book. I agree that Rusty's affair was immoral - but I think the point was that Rusty was obsessed with Carolyn Polhemus and couldn't
pull away from her. The book was very suspenseful and compelled my interest...and I think the ending was perfect.

[Laurin]

Just finished this. Once I got past the affair and into the legal aspect, I found it much more interesting. The ending surprised me.

[[deleted user]]

I'd like to thank Valerie for leading such a lively discussion. She is officially "off duty" now that her month is up, but the thread will remain open and you can continue to discuss the book.

Thanks again, Valerie.

[Valerie]

I enjoyed it...and I'm happy to continue to discuss with anyone that wishes.

[Thom]

What a whollop in the ending ! Worthy of O'Henry.