Chelmsford Classics Book Group discussion
To Kill A Mockingbird
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Week Four: Your Thoughts on Reading (Re-Reading)
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I'd agree with Capote, but think I read somewhere that this was a second book - though first published one. I find that most classics stand the test of time and this one does too. Can we put a finger on why that is? Maybe they shed a different / deeper light on the human condition?
I tend to love coming of age stories, and Scout was a favorite for sure. The childhood dramas juxtaposed with the courtroom one stands out in my mind. I think I mentioned earlier that I watched the movie first and was left with an impression of the ending that wasn't correct - so was rather shocked when I got to that part of the book. What happens if the hero doesn't succeed?
Elizabeth wrote: "I'd agree with Capote, but think I read somewhere that this was a second book - though first published one. I believe there is a now accepted theory that "Go Set a Watchman" was actually a first draft of TKAM.
I do believe TKAM stands the test of time as we still deal with issues of race and a biased legal system. It is one of the few novels written by a woman to be universally accepted as a "classic" almost since it was first published.
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I believe there is a now accepted theory that "Go Set a Watchman" was..."
It's interesting that it was considered an instant classic. I came across an interview that Harper Lee did at the time of publication. A reporter asked her if the book was "an indictment against a group in society". She answered, "The book in not an indictment so much as a plea for something, a reminder to people at home". Perhaps it was published just at the perfect time.
Deanna and Jess wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "I'd agree with Capote, but think I read somewhere that this was a second book - though first published one. I believe there is a now accepted theory that "Go Set..."
I did also read Watchman when it was published and really liked it, though not as much as TKAM. I know many did not, but with these two books I think Lee wonderfully shows how a child's POV on a parent is very different when said child is an adult. It's something universally experienced.
I'm intrigued by the idea of an instant classic. Publishing is full of buzzy books that are given that label that no one recalls two seasons out. To have a book be lauded in its time as well as ours is no easy feat. I'm currently reading Little Dorrit by Dickens - another writer who was loved in his time and ours. Maybe it's the universality of the human condition captured in a particular way that gives stories their staying power.
Deanna and Jess wrote: "Can you believe it? We are already halfway through our discussion of To Kill A Mockingbird! Below are a few questions to get the discussion started, but feel free to pose your own thoughts and qu..."
My favorite character in a book full of great ones is Atticus Finch. He's a man without ego, a compassionate man, a man of conviction, and a terrific father. But he doesn't have to carry the story alone. There's also Scout and Dill and Boo Radley, and all the rest whose names I can't recall just now. It's a story peopled by iconic characters who are somehow often flawless and relatable at the same time.
Below are a few questions to get the discussion started, but feel free to pose your own thoughts and questions too.
Harper Lee’s friend Truman Capote (yep, that Truman Capote) said of To Kill A Mockingbird: “Someone rare has written this very fine first novel, a writer with the liveliest sense of life and the warmest, most authentic humour. A touching book; and so funny, so likeable”.
Do you agree with Capote?
Did you enjoy reading or re-reading this classic?
What elements of the plot did you find memorable? Did it stand the test of time?
Who was your favorite character and why?