The Rainmaker (novel)

The Rainmaker is a legal thriller novel written by John Grisham, published in 1995. It tells the story of Rudy Baylor, a young, idealistic lawyer fresh out of law school who finds himself facing off against a powerful and corrupt insurance company, Great Benefit, on behalf of a family whose son is dying of leukemia after the company refused to pay for a life-saving bone marrow transplant.

The novel follows Rudy's struggles as he navigates the complexities of the legal system, facing intimidation, unethical tactics, and overwhelming odds. He is mentored by Deck Shifflet, a "para-lawyer" who is unlicensed but possesses extensive knowledge of the legal system and its loopholes. Rudy also develops a relationship with Kelly Riker, a young woman abused by her husband.

The Rainmaker explores themes of corruption, corporate greed, the power of money in the legal system, and the challenges faced by those seeking justice against powerful institutions. It is notable for its depiction of the David-versus-Goliath struggle and its commentary on the moral compromises often made in the pursuit of legal victory.

The novel was adapted into a film of the same name, released in 1997, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Matt Damon as Rudy Baylor. The film received positive reviews and was a commercial success.