Reviews

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

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awalkerstory's review against another edition

5.0

“Your friends don’t need you when they’re right. They need you when they’re wrong.”

This book really takes a deep dive in exploring the relationships of people who have wildly different views on political/social/racial issues.

Having the perspective of living in the Deep South and knowing how older generations feel about people of different races and cultures, this one really hit home. As time goes on and the world changes, sometimes you learn things about the people you’ve known your whole life that make you question everything they ever taught you.

jlsjourneys's review against another edition

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2.0

I'm still glad I read this, but it's worth noting: while this was marketed as a "sequel" of sorts to To Kill a Mockingbird, it is actually a rough draft. I didn't know what while reading it.... but that puts a lot into context. A bit hard to follow in parts; disconnected. It presents a less idealistic view on race relations in the 1950s South, and given our world's history, I think it's worth noting that one well-meaning old white guy isn't going to solve it all. (Which is essentially how I recall TKaM being taught to me in school 30 years ago).

jmm11's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

4.0

jniemeier's review against another edition

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4.0

Better than I thought. Could have benefitted from some editing to clarify style but the story was solid.

chapita4's review against another edition

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3.0

I can't stop thinking about this book and would bump up my rating and recommend it. My initial reaction was that it was hard to believe this book was written by the same author as To Kill a Mockingbird...but the more I think about it and talk about it...I actually think that it's even more brilliant that way. By far Mockingbird is a better book..that being said....I think that Atticus can be both personas and that the flawed portrayal of him in this book took courage. The greater story in this novel is the process of growing up and realizing that parents are not perfect and that your belief system and values may end up being quite different from theirs.