The Body in Question by Jill Ciment
Published by Pantheon Books
Publication date: June 11, 2019
Genres: Book Clubs, Fiction, Literary, Social Issues, Suspense
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Standard courtroom drama fiction has never been a favorite of mine, but I recently read two novels that put such an interesting spin on them I’m changing my mind a bit. I’m calling them ‘courtroom drama plus’ because both came at the genre from an unusual perspective. The first was Miracle Creek, which I loved and the second is a new novel called The Body in Question. The twist here is that Jill Ciment writes it from the vantage point of one of the seven jurors and, in doing so changes the focus from the Court TV theatrics that have always been visible to what happens behind the curtain.
Hannah is the juror. She’s 52, with an 86-year-old ailing husband. She briefly toys with the idea of using him as a way to get excused, but then decides the time away, with only herself to care for, might be nice. There is also a juror she flirted with before they were chosen. Soon after the trial begins, they become lovers, but do not discuss the trial. Later, after the trial ends the jury is put on trial in the court of public opinion because of their decision. The judge also rules that their identities can be revealed and things go downhill from there.
Generally, courtroom drama fiction has a lot of drama, right? Twists, surprises, lots of suspense. This isn’t the case in The Body in Question. Yes, the very nature of the case is sensational—adopted twin sisters, one of whom is autistic and is accused of murdering their baby brother—but what stands out in the novel is the tedium of juror life. A dreary motel, unhealthy meals, no communication devices, no television, no privacy, and prolonged contact with people you probably don’t want to know.
I’m not being flip about the importance of being a juror, nor is Ciment. Writing The Body in Question in such a detached tone is clever because it reads like a court transcript. Every one of Hannah’s thoughts and decisions is factually recounted. Her choice to have an affair? Well, at 52, it might be her last chance to be desired, it wasn’t going to go anywhere, and no one would know. It’s the same with the trial itself and the decisions made by the lawyers and the court. The reader is sequestered in this isolated world that vacillates between issues of life and death and being grateful there was a vegetarian option for dinner.
Unlike most capital murder trials, The Body in Question is brief and to the point. In just 175 pages Ciment cleanly presents everything as evidence, without judgement attached, leaving the reader to render a verdict. Mine is: Thrilling reading, highly recommended.
This sounds really good, and at a brief 175 pages, perfect for summer reading. I’m adding it to my list. Hopefully in July things will slow down and I can get to it.
I have a copy so can save it for you, if we can find a time for lunch.
I’m picking this up from the library today! Sounds so good, great review Catherine!
I really liked how she diverged from the standard courtroom elements. I’d never given much thought to what jurors actually go through.
When something is already on my list of things I want to read, I usually don’t read reviews, but I do scan yours and look at your rating (unless, of course, you pan it, then I read in detail to figure out if I want to read regardless or hate read along with you, lol). I’m glad you liked this one because it seemed up my alley. So on the list it stays! Plus ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FIVE PAGES.
I love your process! And yes, the brevity of this novel add to its summertime appeal. You’ll like it!
Yes I like courtroom dramas so I’m getting this from the library. I still need to get to Miracle Creek too! Both sound good.
Both are so good! Miracle Creek was my favorite of the two, but Body is a very quick read.