Honestly I just feel confused about this book. I think that’s in part because it feels messy and unfocused and there’s doubt as to whether Lee ever meant for it to be published. I really wasn’t surprised to hear that it started as a first draft of Mockingbird, because it reads that way.
But I can’t tell how much of my dislike is because of its literary faults and how much is because it makes me uncomfortable as a white person to see even Atticus Finch can be deeply racist. I think it makes some really good points - Scout needed to be let down by Atticus at some point so she could stop idolising him and be her own person, that’s a necessary part of growing up. And as for Hank and Scout’s argument, a lot of the time it is a privilege in and of itself to be able to vocally disagree with your community and still be able to earn a living as part of it.
Then at the same time, the ending seems to be imploring you to still love Atticus. It does this by saying you need to be able to look past your differences with people and give them love, otherwise you’re just as bad as them. I think that can and should be the case with a lot of disagreements. I have close relationships with many people I disagree with, because you have to be able to listen to those you disagree with, accept where your world view has flaws and try to let them see the flaws in theirs. That’s just part of evolving as a person. The question is, when does a person’s views become irreconcilable with what you consider a good person to be? Where do you set your watchman? I’m not of the opinion that you can believe in the natural inferiority of an entire race and still be a good person. Especially not a person like Atticus who can’t even hide behind the excuse of ignorance - this is a learned, considerate, empathetic man spouting this vulgarity. But maybe that’s just me, and others would draw the line or set their watchmen elsewhere.
I don’t know. I think this book is worthwhile reading, it’s a more adult and nuanced take on the comforting parable that is Mockingbird. Just be prepared that you might not actually enjoy reading it and you might not be able to put your finger on why.