Go Set a Watchman Sets a Hypocrite

What would you do if your idol wasn’t the person you thought he’d be? Harper Lee’s, Go Set a Watchman, absolutely screams hypocrisy.

During my freshman year, the English course required classes to read To Kill a Mockingbird, and study its importance. I developed a strong love for this work and Lee’s words, and was deeply impressed with the literature. After hearing the shocking announcement that Harper Lee was going to release a sequel to the famous American piece, To Kill a Mockingbird, I was counting down the days until July 14.

It was quite controversial and very popular that Lee would produce another book, after vowing not to make any sequels during the 1960s. The publishing company HarperCollins posted a press release that revealed how Lee’s lawyer, Tonja Carter, “discovered the manuscript in a secure place where Ms. Lee keeps her archives.”

“I hadn’t realized it had survived, so I was surprised and delighted when my dear friend and lawyer Tonja Carter discovered it. After much thought and hesitation I shared it with a handful of people I trust and was pleased to hear that they considered it worthy of publication. I am humbled and amazed that this will now be published after all these years,” states Lee, attributing to the statement.

After knowing her forever as “Scout,” we finally see Jean Louise Finch maturing a little bit by using her real name for the first time. She is now in her twenties, and returns to the town of Maycomb to her family. Along with her return, the idea of integration has also entered the community. Jean reconnects with her family and friends, as well as meets a new suitor named Henry “Hank” Clinton.

Without trying to spoil the book, Go Set a Watchman blew my mind with the historical- fiction character, Atticus Finch. This book certainly brings a whole new perspective about Atticus, and I assure you will be very shocked. It is a must read.