The Book Case: Scott Turow Revisits Old Friend Rusty Sabitch

Release Date: January 16, 2025

Introduction

In the January 16, 2025, episode of The Book Case, hosts Charlie and Kate Gibson welcome acclaimed legal thriller novelist Scott Turow. Recorded aboard a cruise ship crossing the North Atlantic, the episode delves into Turow's latest work, "Presumed Guilty," and explores his creative process, character development, and the broader themes woven into his storytelling.

Exploring "Presumed Guilty"

Presumed Guilty marks the third installment featuring Rusty Savage, Turow's iconic defense attorney. Charlie Gibson introduces the book by recounting Rusty Savage's journey from his tumultuous past in Presumed Innocent to his retirement at 77 years old. In this sequel, Rusty is drawn back into the legal fray when he takes on the defense of Aaron, the adopted African American son of his fiancée, Bea (00:54 - 03:13).

Kate Gibson highlights the novel's compelling narrative, emphasizing Rusty's introspection on his legal career and the effectiveness of the judicial system. She remarks, "Rusty's sort of looking back on his life and philosophizing about the law... It's really interesting" (03:13 - 03:55).

Charlie adds his appreciation for Turow’s authentic courtroom depictions, stating, "Scott does a better job of putting you in a courtroom realistically than any of the television shows do" (03:55 - 04:00). This realism sets Turow’s work apart, offering readers an immersive experience that transcends typical television portrayals of legal drama.

In-Depth Conversation with Scott Turow

Charlie Gibson initiates a conversation with Turow, probing the reasons behind revisiting Rusty Savage after a 15-year hiatus. Turow explains his sense of responsibility towards Rusty, stating, "I felt like I owed him a better outcome than that" (04:36 - 05:18). This commitment to character continuity underscores Turow's dedication to his literary universe.

Kate Gibson inquires about aging Rusty and maintaining story coherence over the years. Turow responds, "The way my books have sort of come forward is that they have been pretty honest to the passage of time... It means that I get to write about my own time of life" (05:40 - 06:49). This approach ensures that characters evolve naturally, reflecting real-life changes and experiences.

Themes of Racial Justice

A significant aspect of Presumed Guilty is its exploration of racial justice, with Aaron being an African American accused of murder in a predominantly white community. Kate asks Turow about the intentional inclusion of race in the narrative. Turow explains, "It would make concrete how much of an outsider this young man feels himself to be" (10:09 - 11:21), highlighting the societal and personal challenges faced by minority individuals within the legal system.

The Writing Process

When discussing his writing methodology, Turow distinguishes his approach from other novelists by emphasizing structured plotting essential for courtroom dramas. He shares, "I don't try to make it cohesive or even coherent. And I do that for about a year... and then I sit back and say, okay, now how is this all going to make sense?" (11:54 - 12:55). This disciplined process ensures that his stories are both thrilling and methodically sound.

Courtroom Procedurals: Accuracy vs. Entertainment

Kate inquires about balancing legal accuracy with narrative excitement. Turow asserts, "What's going on in a courtroom is so incredibly dramatic... as long as you make the stakes clear to the reader, they will come along for the ride" (13:19 - 14:16). He believes that the inherent drama of legal battles can captivate audiences without compromising factual integrity.

Flawed Characters and Human Complexity

The conversation shifts to character development, with Charlie noting the depth of flaws in Turow's characters. Turow responds, "Nobody in this book is a complete hero. Nobody's a complete villain... that's how I see human beings" (20:41 - 22:29). This nuanced portrayal adds realism and relatability, reflecting the imperfect nature of individuals and the complexities within the legal system.

Rapid-Fire Questions

The hosts engage Turow in a rapid-fire segment, covering various topics:

• Who’s More Important: Who Did It or Who’s on Trial?

  • Turow: "Mystery novels have to say who did it and probably why. So that's what's at the core" (23:02).

• Languages of His Books:

  • Turow: "It's about 40 languages... it's both a thrill and an amusing experience" (23:16).

• Lesser-Known Book Recommendations:

  • Turow: Recommends The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson and works by Bernard Malamud, such as The Assistant and The Magic Barrel (24:06 - 24:45).

• Opinions on TV Courtroom Dramas:

  • Turow: Expresses concern over inaccuracies but acknowledges the dramatization aspect, sharing a story from his mentor Wallace Stegner about maintaining authenticity (24:57 - 27:38).

Closing Reflections

As the episode concludes, Charlie and Kate reflect on the profound insights shared by Turow. They emphasize the importance of defense attorneys and the weight of their responsibilities, drawing parallels to real-world legal practices.

Turow offers a poignant coda from Presumed Guilty:

"BNI will move on, but I will go with no regrets or second thoughts about my decade and a half out here in Skagen. Within the profound silence of the country, I have, like Aaron, come to feel more of myself. I've healed, loved well and been loved. Known regrets, some deep. But best learn to live as I will live now in the time I have with gratitude." (30:10 - 30:41).

Production Credits

The Book Case is a production of ABC Audio and Good Morning America, edited by Tom Butler of TKO Productions. Executive producers include Laura Mayer and Simone Swink, with additional acknowledgments to team members at Good Morning America and ABC Audio.

Conclusion

This episode of The Book Case offers a deep dive into Scott Turow's latest novel, Presumed Guilty, while illuminating his thoughtful approach to storytelling, character development, and the interplay between law and literature. For fans of legal thrillers and aspiring writers alike, Turow's insights provide valuable lessons in crafting compelling, realistic narratives that resonate with readers.