The Burden of Proof

De: Scott Turow

Narrado por: John Bedford Lloyd

Presumed Innocent was the fiction debut of the decade - a magnetic work of suspense that earned Turow acclaim for his unparalleled storytelling gifts. Now, in a brilliant follow-up, Scott Turow stakes his claim as an American master, in a mesmerizing novel of law, family and deceit.

Alejandro "Sandy" Stern - the brilliant defense lawyer from Presumed Innocent - comes home to discover that his wife of 30 years has committed suicide, leaving behind a web of mystery, money, and guilt. While Stern hunts for answers, he is caught up in the threatened Federal prosecution of his most powerful and troublesome client - his own brother-in-law. Now, after a life of success, Sandy Stern is a man in desperate need of many truths - about his family, his uncertain future, and the troubled legacy his wife left behind.

©1991 Scott Turow (P)2010 Hachette

Was Expecting the Pace of Presumed Innocent

This book was not awful. I had just finished listening to Presumed Innocent and was looking forward to another fast-paced suspense. This one had lots of twists and turns but it was just too long - and I happen to enjoy long novels. It went on and on and never seemed to get to the ending. The reader was excellent and the story itself was interesting. It would have been better if made somewhat less 'stream of consciousness' on the part of Sandy. Worth the listen, just be prepared to take a while to get to the ending!

Turow still has it!

It's been A LONG TIME since I've read a book by Turow, so I really didn't know what to expect. I was very pleased with this book. It was much more than a legal drama. It detailed the drama going on in the life of the main character, whose life changes drastically in the opening paragraphs of this story. We're introduced to his family, friends and neighbors; all told interestingly. It's not necessarily high drama, but it is a "page turner". I've already lined up 2 more of Turow's books to follow.

Wordy

It was too detailed for me but hearing it instead of reading it was easier. Good story, excellent reader and presentation.

Not in the league of Innocent and Presumed Innocent

I came to this having become a fan of Turow through Innocent and Presumed Innocent. Sadly this one doesn't quite measure up: I found the story jumps around just a little too much, and the plot twists itself through enough loops to end up confusing and contrived by the end.

excellent

Though I listen to this out of order, it was still very entertaining. Really good material brought to life by a fine performance of Mr. Lloyd.

First Turow book...

Good storyline but it was a long book. Probably could have a been a few chapters shorter. The narrator was excellent.

No suspense

Plot is somewhat far-fetched and this book is disappointing after Presumed Innocent. Well-written but lackluster.

Captures some of the male inner drama

Narrator was just meh. Overdone accent, horrific occasional Spanish. Story was pretty good. Turrow does a great job capturing and telling some of the inner turmoil middle age dudes may go through.

ONE OF TUROW'S BEST

This is one of Scott Turow's best novels, and John Bedford Lloyd does an outstanding job as reader. "Burden" focuses on a character from "Presumed Innocent," the defense attorney, Sandy Stern.

Turow doesn't flinch from exploring some of the more unsavory areas of human experience. There are scenes in "Burden" that are challenging in that regard. However, it's to Turow's credit that he is willing to delve into his characters' inner longings so fully.

The plotting is very strong. Just as we think we're beginning to understand what's going on, a new level of chicanery introduces itself. Sandy Stern's extended family is made up of fascinating characters, well-drawn by Turow. As with all of his best novels, each step of the plot is intriguing and the ending utterly satisfying.

Engaging

Somewhat convoluted at times but comes together nicely at the end—Turow is a good storyteller with great human insight.