Defending the Truth

by Richard Parrish

Book Overview

With America caught in a national crisis, attorney Joshua Rabb goes against public opinion to take the case of a Tucson professor accused of traitorous activities. As the truth and law collide, Rabb... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451408330
• ISBN13: 9780451408334
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: Onyx Books
• Length: 410 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.3" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

the "truth" takes a beating, but keeps on ticking...

Richard Parrish ably illustrates the climate of fear and the power of innuendo run rampant in the early 1950's, an era otherwise known for bobby-soxers, the birth of rock 'n' roll and Elvis Presley. Just how insidious is the power of suggestion is illustrated by those who would smear a decorated veteran for their own political ends--oh, right, this isn't the election of 2000 OR 2004, but a distant 1952, when Nixon was elevated to national stature (after his effective, if morally repugnant, "pink lady" campaign smearing one of the least threatening members of Congress) in a climate of fear. Joe McCarthy was in full roar, and everyone speculated about "fellow travelers" and "pinkos", while the Hollywood 10 made their sad parade before HUAC on the way to an American Gulag, courtesy of two of Hollywood's leading lights, Ronald Reagan (then-president of SAG) and Robert Montgomery (father of "Bewitched" Elizabeth), the ONLY "stars" to tar others with the "Communist" paintbrush. It was an era in which America's innocence collided head-on with our new-found stazture in world politics. World War II was over, Korea was settling into the stalemate it would remain until modern times, Doug MacArthur had been relieved after suggesting we ignite a line of atomic bombs as the ultimate DMZ, while idealogues on both sides of the political fence jockeyed for power in the nascent "Atomic Age". Richard Parrish evokes the lingering traces of the pre-war era, amid the bluster and posing of the "new" world order and those who would take advantage for their own personal gain. His characterizations are drawn from the headlines of the era, ringing true in all their seamy glory. Those of us who lived through that period remember well the snide remarks, the casual racism and the absolute control sought by those who would protect us from the "red menace". It was a time of sloganeering and litmus tests--the Patriot Act would have fit in quite well, although the average citizen of then would never have stood for the abuses taken for granted today in the name of "national security". Read this book to learn where today's rhetoric got its start. Read it to remember a bittersweet time, when American's were the world's "good guys", respected and a little bashful about the mantle of power that had descended around the nation's shoulders. Whatever reason, read this fine novel, and the other "Joshua Rabb" nobvels, as well, for a pleasnt, if at times nerve-wracking journey down memory lane. Perhaps along the way, you will gain insight into the machinations of today's politicians, and the ways in which they seek to sway public opinion to suit their own purposes. My only regret is there aren't more of these to read!

his best.

I raed a lot of legal thrillers and I can say, he gives grisham a run for his money.

A powerful orator tells a frightening story

There are many instances when the political climate of the country dictates national policy. Sometimes these instances give rise to demagogues such as Senator Joseph McCarthy and several of his minions. One such individual is William Maitland, the Junior Governor of Arizona, who plans to be the next Vice President of the United States. Obtaining McCarthy's approval, Maitland has one of his lackeys, ADA Essert convene a grand jury to look into the affairs of University of Arizona professors, who allegedly belong to a "pinko" group, Professors Against the War. Through this investigation and media manipulation, Maitland plans to gain national attention. Maitland and his cronies are convinced that no reputable attorney will defend the beleaguered professors, but he fails to understand the passionate ideals of Joshua Rabb, who takes on the case. When one of his clients and a McCarthy supporter are both murdered, Rabb realizes the difficulty of the case. At the hearing, protesters, including his daughter, rally in support of the professors. However, they are all arrested when a bomb blast kills a U.S. marshal. Rabb knows that the case has become personal as he must uncover the truth even though it means challenging some of the most powerful people in the nation. DEFENDING THE TRUTH is a must read novel that demonstrates clearly how demagogues come into power and maintain their position through terror tactics dedicated to keeping the masses under control. Richard Parrish is a powerful writer, whose convictions are evident as he skillfully employs his everyman protagonist against overwhelming forces. Mr. Parrish is on a level with the great legal thriller authors of today such as Cornwell and Turow. Harriet Klausner