Thriller novels are a staple of the literary world and have captured the attention of readers for decades. Two novels that stand out in the genre are Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow and Burn by Lars Emmerich. These novels have gained critical and commercial success. Here, we’ll compare and contrast the two novels, exploring their plot, characters, themes, writing styles, reception and their impact on the thriller genre. By the end of this article, readers will have a better understanding of these two great novels and which one they might prefer to read next.
Overview of Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent is a legal thriller that was published in 1987. The story follows Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor in charge of a high-profile murder case. Sabich is also having an extramarital affair with his colleague, Carolyn Polhemus. When Polhemus is found dead, Sabich becomes the prime suspect in her murder, and the novel unfolds as he fights to prove his innocence.
The novel is set in Kindle County, a fictional place that Turow has used in many of his other works. The county is based on Cook County, Illinois, where Turow worked as an assistant U.S. attorney. The book’s setting and characters are heavily influenced by Turow’s own experiences as a lawyer.
Presumed Innocent was a critical and commercial success, and it was adapted into a film in 1990 starring Harrison Ford as Rusty Sabich. The novel is often cited as one of the best legal thrillers of all time, and it has been praised for its intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and realistic portrayal of the legal system.
Introduction to Burn by Lars Emmerich
Lars Emmerich’s Burn is a political thriller that was published in 2016. The story follows Bradshaw Steele, a former intelligence agent who is blackmailed into returning to the CIA to help prevent a nuclear attack on US soil. As he races against time to prevent the attack, he navigates a dangerous world of international conspiracies and greed.
The novel is set in the present day and deals with issues that are relevant to contemporary society. Emmerich’s writing style is fast-paced and engaging, making it difficult to put the book down once you start reading it. The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.
Burn has received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the intelligence community and its exploration of the moral dilemmas faced by those who work in the field. The book has been praised for its accuracy and attention to detail, as well as its ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you’re a fan of political thrillers, Burn is definitely a book you won’t want to miss.
Plot Comparison: Presumed Innocent vs. Burn
Despite the different genres of Presumed Innocent and Burn, both novels are similar in their exploration of a murder case and the subsequent investigation. However, Burn is more incident-driven, with fast-paced action and plot twists. In contrast, Presumed Innocent is more character-driven, with a deeper exploration of the motives and emotions of the main characters. Additionally, Burn has a more straightforward narrative, while Presumed Innocent has a more complex structure that jumps between different points of view and timelines.
Another key difference between the two novels is their setting. Presumed Innocent takes place in a small town, where everyone knows each other and secrets are hard to keep. This creates a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere, where suspicion and paranoia run high. In contrast, Burn is set in a big city, where the characters are more anonymous and the stakes are higher. The city itself becomes a character in the novel, with its dark alleys and hidden corners providing the perfect backdrop for the action.
Finally, the endings of the two novels are also quite different. Without giving away any spoilers, it can be said that Burn has a more conclusive and satisfying ending, where all loose ends are tied up and justice is served. Presumed Innocent, on the other hand, has a more ambiguous and open-ended conclusion, leaving the reader to draw their own conclusions about the guilt or innocence of the main characters. This makes Presumed Innocent a more thought-provoking and challenging read, while Burn is more of a straightforward thriller.
Character Analysis: Rusty Sabich vs. Bradshaw Steele
Rusty Sabich and Bradshaw Steele are both complex and flawed characters. Rusty Sabich is a man who is struggling with the breakdown of his marriage, a strained relationship with his son, and the possibility of a conviction for a crime he did not commit. In contrast, Bradshaw Steele is a man who is dealing with past mistakes and is struggling to come to terms with his past actions. Both characters are well-drawn, and their development is what makes the novels so compelling.
However, while both characters have their flaws, they also have their strengths. Rusty Sabich is a brilliant lawyer who is determined to clear his name and prove his innocence. He is also a loving father who wants to repair his relationship with his son. On the other hand, Bradshaw Steele is a man who is willing to take responsibility for his past mistakes and make amends. He is also a loyal friend who is willing to help Rusty in his time of need. These strengths add depth to the characters and make them more relatable to readers.
Themes Explored in Presumed Innocent and Burn
Presumed Innocent explores themes such as the criminal justice system, the fragility of relationships, and the cost of ambition. Burn, on the other hand, explores themes such as international espionage, the rise of nationalism and the consequences of greed. Both novels are well-versed in their exploration of these themes and provide a deeper meaning to the plot.
Additionally, Presumed Innocent also delves into the theme of power dynamics and how they can affect the outcome of a trial. The novel highlights how those in positions of power can manipulate the justice system to their advantage, while those without power are left at a disadvantage. Burn, on the other hand, also touches on the theme of environmentalism and the impact of human actions on the planet. The novel portrays the consequences of greed and the exploitation of natural resources, ultimately leading to disastrous outcomes.
Writing Style Comparison: Scott Turow vs. Lars Emmerich
Scott Turow’s writing style in Presumed Innocent is lyrical and poetic, with attention to detail and a focus on character development. In contrast, Lars Emmerich’s writing style in Burn is more straightforward, with a focus on fast-paced action and plot twists. Both styles have their merits, and readers will find themselves enjoying either depending on their preferences.
However, it is important to note that Turow’s style may be more suited for readers who enjoy a slower pace and a deeper exploration of characters’ inner thoughts and emotions. Emmerich’s style, on the other hand, may be more appealing to readers who prefer a more action-packed and thrilling reading experience.
Despite their differences, both Turow and Emmerich are skilled writers who have created compelling stories that have captivated readers. Ultimately, the choice between their writing styles comes down to personal preference and what type of reading experience the reader is looking for.
Reception and Reviews of Presumed Innocent and Burn
Presumed Innocent has been hailed as a masterpiece of the legal thriller genre and has garnered critical and commercial success. Burn has also been well received, with critics praising its fast-paced action and suspenseful plot. Both novels have been well-reviewed and enjoyed by readers throughout the years.
The Impact of Presumed Innocent and Burn on the Thriller Genre
Presumed Innocent and Burn have had a significant impact on the thriller genre. Presumed Innocent has been called the “gold standard” of legal thrillers and has inspired many authors to follow in Turow’s footsteps. Burn, on the other hand, has had an impact on the political thriller genre, with its fast-paced action and suspenseful plot inspiring many authors to write similar stories.
Which Novel Should You Read Next? A Final Verdict on Presumed Innocent vs. Burn
Both Presumed Innocent and Burn are excellent novels that offer something different. If you’re looking for a character study with poetic writing, then Presumed Innocent is the novel for you. If you’re looking for fast-paced action and plot twists, then Burn is the novel for you. Ultimately both novels are great in their own right, and any reader of the thriller genre would be well-advised to read both without hesitation.