To Sing Like a Mockingbird

Angela Williams
20 reviews
2 followers
What struck me most about this novel was how real the characters felt. Justin Kopechne reminded me of people I’ve known who care so deeply about their mission that they alienate everyone else around them. It’s both admirable and tragic. His work at the reformatory gave the story heart, but it was his domestic struggles that gave it teeth.

Watching his marriage falter was difficult, yet believable, and it made me question whether passion is worth it if it costs you everything else. The sheriff’s relationship with the cartel provided an effective counterbalance: while Justin sacrifices relationships for his ideals, the sheriff sacrifices his ideals for relationships and power.

The setting dusty, isolated Texas was almost another character, pressing down on everyone with its weight. This book isn’t about easy victories; it’s about the struggle of standing firm in a world where bending is often rewarded. I think readers who enjoy morally complex, character-driven stories will find it memorable.