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3.21 AVERAGE
3.21 AVERAGE
Spoilers later on!
I cried my way through the final thirty pages of this book. It's a brilliant piece of work.
Much has been said and written and talked down about this book and the context of its genesis and eventual publication. Critics and readers alike seem to feel no obligation to respect Harper Lee's position in American literature simply because it concerns a book that was 'a first draft of a brilliant book, and why was this even published? It's not worth my time!' I'm very glad I went into reading Go Set a Watchman knowing nothing about it except that it featured Jean Louise Finch and her family. It enabled me to appreciate how well the story is set up, how well Lee knows her characters, and how heart-wrenching the conclusion is.
The conclusion of the novel was what made me cry. It affected me greatly for several reasons. Firstly, I think it's down to Lee's strengths as a writer--she took me on a journey, I went right along with Jean Louise and felt what she felt. I was just as outraged at Atticus and Henry as Jean Louise was, and I had to learn just as much as she did at the end. Perhaps it also helped that I'm close to Jean Louise's age. But most importantly, I learned similar lessons during the past two years, and recognised much of my own life, emotions and growth in Jean Louise.
The conclusion of the novel works on two levels. It doesn't just express a crucial element of growing up--the lesson that our parents are not Gods or saints, and that we can only live and grow when we are prepared to disagree with them and 'reduce them to human beings', as Lee writes--but also America as a nation in flux and the necessity of reasoned debate in order to grow. We need to be open to everyone's point of view, opinion or experience, even those with whom we most vehemently disagree. In other words, whilst we as children need to reduce our parents to human beings, we need to raise up our opponents in public debates to the same state. If that's not a lesson worth reading this novel for, I don't know what is.
I cried my way through the final thirty pages of this book. It's a brilliant piece of work.
Much has been said and written and talked down about this book and the context of its genesis and eventual publication. Critics and readers alike seem to feel no obligation to respect Harper Lee's position in American literature simply because it concerns a book that was 'a first draft of a brilliant book, and why was this even published? It's not worth my time!' I'm very glad I went into reading Go Set a Watchman knowing nothing about it except that it featured Jean Louise Finch and her family. It enabled me to appreciate how well the story is set up, how well Lee knows her characters, and how heart-wrenching the conclusion is.
The conclusion of the novel was what made me cry. It affected me greatly for several reasons. Firstly, I think it's down to Lee's strengths as a writer--she took me on a journey, I went right along with Jean Louise and felt what she felt. I was just as outraged at Atticus and Henry as Jean Louise was, and I had to learn just as much as she did at the end. Perhaps it also helped that I'm close to Jean Louise's age. But most importantly, I learned similar lessons during the past two years, and recognised much of my own life, emotions and growth in Jean Louise.
The conclusion of the novel works on two levels. It doesn't just express a crucial element of growing up--the lesson that our parents are not Gods or saints, and that we can only live and grow when we are prepared to disagree with them and 'reduce them to human beings', as Lee writes--but also America as a nation in flux and the necessity of reasoned debate in order to grow. We need to be open to everyone's point of view, opinion or experience, even those with whom we most vehemently disagree. In other words, whilst we as children need to reduce our parents to human beings, we need to raise up our opponents in public debates to the same state. If that's not a lesson worth reading this novel for, I don't know what is.
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book forever tarnishes what Lee achieved with Mockingbird. It would have been best if this book had never been published.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this book. I think I like it more than "Mockingbird". At first I didn't like it. It's almost like Harper Lee needed some time to warm up, get her story together. Also, the book is written in 3rd person vs. the original in 1st person. I missed hearing Scout. But, as the story moved, I began to like the approach. When the main conflict was being solved, it took me a minute to figure out what NAACP law Lee was referring to. I had a moment of not liking where the story was going and wondering how it had shifted so fast. Then, it came back and I liked it. Most of the reviews I've read are pretty harsh- conspiracy theory, this was a "Mockingbird" draft, etc. I didn't feel any of that. I did note some inconsistencies between the book. For example, the trial is referenced but the details are very different. I found I didn't mind.
I really enjoyed this story. I noted that the story didn't move much for a long time but I still just liked walking around Maycomb with Scout again. I liked hearing about the past- new stories through recollection.
Lastly, I never thought Atticus was a racist but I also never thought he wasn't. TKM- he defends a person because he believes in the law. He was never hoping to change racial discrimination. (at least that's my interpretation). I found and still find Atticus a good man. I think he's a man of the time. I understand his views are difficult for modern people. The story rang true for 1950's Alabama.
Oh... Atticus...
I prefer the original version that came out - "To kill a mockingbird" - because it gives you a better message.
This book is full of controversy, however, I am glad that I have read "Go set a watchman" to have a full vision of characters' behaviour over the years.
I prefer the original version that came out - "To kill a mockingbird" - because it gives you a better message.
This book is full of controversy, however, I am glad that I have read "Go set a watchman" to have a full vision of characters' behaviour over the years.
Absolutely fantastic novel. I put off reading this book because I had heard many reports of people being disappointed with the character development after reading and loving to kill a Mockingbird, I wish I hadn’t waited so long.
Don’t believe the hype, this is a beautifully written snapshot of a moment in time in the south, and I felt the characters were absolutely true to the original portrayals. I particularly enjoyed many of the new characters introduced in this novel.
The way Harper Lee writes, her ability to use metaphors as a teaching tool in a way that we haven’t read, but is so reminiscent of our own common history is stunning. The themes in this book are relevant today, and a good reminder of the universal polarizing reaction that humans can have no matter what era we are in.
Don’t believe the hype, this is a beautifully written snapshot of a moment in time in the south, and I felt the characters were absolutely true to the original portrayals. I particularly enjoyed many of the new characters introduced in this novel.
The way Harper Lee writes, her ability to use metaphors as a teaching tool in a way that we haven’t read, but is so reminiscent of our own common history is stunning. The themes in this book are relevant today, and a good reminder of the universal polarizing reaction that humans can have no matter what era we are in.
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had high hopes as I love To Kill a Mockingbird. But if I'm quite honest, I found it a bit boring... I get what it's trying to do/say, and it was an important topic, but I just didn't find it gripping enough and I found myself confused.
Although I enjoyed this reading simply because it expanded on the story of one of my favorite classics, it felt as if it were missing something. I feel as if it didn’t have the same feeling as the first book, although the setting and circumstances were different.