71 pages • 2 hours read
Jonathan HarrA Civil Action
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1995A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A Civil Action by Jonathan Harr recounts the legal battle in Woburn, Massachusetts, where families, led by Anne Anderson, sue corporations Beatrice Foods and W.R. Grace for allegedly contaminating groundwater and causing leukemia clusters. Lawyer Jan Schlichtmann takes the arduous case, facing immense legal and financial challenges. The narrative delves into the detailed legal process, reflecting themes of justice, bureaucracy, and obsession. The book received the 1995 National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction and was adapted into a film in 1998. Topics include serious illnesses affecting children.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jonathan Harr's A Civil Action is widely acclaimed for its riveting depiction of a legal battle against corporate pollution. Praised for its meticulous research and compelling narrative, the book captivates readers with its detailed portrayal of courtroom drama and moral complexities. However, some readers find the extensive legal jargon cumbersome. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and engaging read.
Who Should Read A Civil Action?
Readers who enjoy gripping legal dramas with a focus on environmental justice, like John Grisham’s The Pelican Brief, will find Jonathan Harr’s A Civil Action compelling. It appeals to those interested in true stories about corporate negligence, courtroom battles, and moral dilemmas, similar to works like Erin Brockovich.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1000L