Reviews

Go Set a Watchman: Harper Lee's sensational lost novel by Harper Lee

ashilene's review against another edition

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4.0

Yes, Atticus is a racist. So were most men of 72 in this time. I found this novel fascinating especially in the way that it developed To Kill a Mockingbird even more. It is a little slow in the beginning, but once you get to the meat of the book that's where you love it or hate it and while it could easily offend some, it's a realistic depiction. I found myself emotional responsive in that I was surprised and appalled and in denial about Atticus' attitude and it certainly changed my opinion of him as a character, but u thoroughly enjoyed the book and character development and secrets of the previous book I had never known.

todallyanika's review against another edition

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1.0

If you have read [b:To Kill a Mockingbird|2657|To Kill a Mockingbird|Harper Lee|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1553383690l/2657._SY75_.jpg|3275794], do not bother to read this book. If you haven't read [b:To Kill a Mockingbird|2657|To Kill a Mockingbird|Harper Lee|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1553383690l/2657._SY75_.jpg|3275794], consider picking that up instead and avoid this book. There is a very clear reason why publishers rejected Go Set a Watchman and told Lee to focus on the parts about Scout's childhood -- they're the only parts of the novel worth reading. I should have DNF'd this book, but it was my first read of the year so I slogged through. This novel nearly ruined the character of Atticus for me.

andyras's review against another edition

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challenging emotional inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

kalliegrace's review against another edition

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challenging reflective sad medium-paced

2.5

Well, this wasn't quite as awful as I was expecting, so that's nice. It's definitely a first draft of an early idea but the author we love from TKAM. I think the theme of watching your idol become human is a good one, though it's hard to see it be because of racism. There was a lot of racism here, but i know the language is true of the era and ideas, no matter how despicable they are.

mrbrownsays's review against another edition

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5.0

If to kill a mockingbird was about injustice then watchman was about anger. Attitudes have got worse not better.

thewellreadmrs's review against another edition

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challenging slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

hncbixby's review against another edition

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3.0

I loved parts of this book and I cringed at other parts. Overall, I'm satisfied with Scout's journey throughout the book.

degroot_maartje's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

ladygodivas's review against another edition

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3.0

damn what a book. i'm not american and can never understand the serious issue of segregation personally, but this made me feel things. i really can't say more about the things tackled in this book but i think lee's writing is like a bullet and it hit the target square on.
i was shocked to find out this book was written before to kill a mockingbird. it really felt like a proper sequel!

natalie_mcw's review against another edition

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3.0

The jury's still out. I'm glad I read it. But I'm thinking about it....