Gianrico Carofiglio – The Measure Of Time

‘The Measure Of Time’ by Gianrico Carofiglio is the sixth novel in the Guido Guerrieri series and each book can be read alone.

This book is about an appeal case of a young man who has been accused of murder. The Defence barrister who works the case is Guido and the story is told from his point of view. Jacopo, the young man whose appeal it is, has a problem, his lawyer has died so he needs a new one. His mother goes to visit Guido to ask him if he would take Jacopo on. His crime is one of being found guilty of murdering his drug-dealing associate.

We find out that almost thirty years ago Guido had been in a relationship with Jacopo’s mother, Lorenza. He isn’t overly keen on taking the case, the case isn’t a normal case taken by his practice and he isn’t sure if Jacopo is innocent. Even with these doubts, Guido takes the case and we see the preparation for his appeal, the trial and the final decision too.

A translated Bitter Lemon Press book that is set in Italy and has a main character that leaps of the page with plenty of character that has depth. I could have expected such a great character after seven previous books and with a translator who has done an excellent job. A book that reminded me of the John Grisham courtroom dramas that I have read.

This is much more than “just” a courtroom drama, the author has weaved a story of love together with the courtroom case and pulled it all together to bring a satisfying ending that is not what you expect.

Thank you to Random Things Tours and Bitter Lemon Press for my place on the tour and my copy of the book.