To Kill a Mockingbird Sequel

[Vincent, Group Founder]

I saw an article today about Harper Lee's decision to publish "Go Set a Watchman," the sequel to her famed classic, "To Kill a Mockingbird."

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/w...

What are your thoughts?

[Jim]

As far as I know, this is the first time in literary history that the sequel to a best-seller was actually written by the author before the initially published work, but was not released for publication until 55 years later. Author Harper Lee refused to allow To Kill a Mocking Bird to be released as an e-book until just last year. She is definitely a woman who knows her own mind and insists upon doing things her way. I like her!

[Carmen]

All I can say is hopefully her new book won't be as overrated as its prequel. I'm probably going to get some hate for saying that, but oh well.

[Jeffrey]

I wish her legacy would stay with To Kill a Mockingbird. The new/old novel may be lovely but I cannot imagine it will come close to becoming a classic, given it is being released 55 years beyond its time.

There is also a story circulating out there that the release is due to undue pressure on Ms. Lee to sign a contract she did not understand. She is very frail and the lawyer who have been protecting her passed away recently.

So, I have very mixed feelings about this. Mostly negative.

[[deleted user]]

I'm torn. Mockingbird is such a sensitive, brilliant piece; at best, it could only be equaled. Most likely, Go Set a Watchman will be disappointing. Some works should just be left to stand on their own. Okay, I guess that I'm not torn at all.

I would expect that Harper Lee had good reasons for not publishing the second novel, and I also expect that her publishers are in it for the money rather than the art.

A final thought: one of the most appealing aspects of Mockingbird was the juxtaposition of Scout's innocence and the incomprehensible racism of the adults. With Jean Louise as an adult, this effective combination cannot be duplicated. And why would anyone try? It was perfectly portrayed in the first novel.

A final, final thought: I guess Harper Lee can do whatever she wants. (Even if I don't like it.)

[Vincent, Group Founder]

Here is an interesting article in The Atlantic:

http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainm...

Another one:

http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainm...

[[deleted user]]

The discovery of a lost manuscript, and Harper Lee's delight at it being found - well, that spins things in a different direction. Thanks for the link, Vincent; fascinating.

[James]

I just saw this news today and I'm curious to see the what book is about. The book was written before "To Kill a Mockingbird" but it's set with Scout as an adult. So what will the time frame of the book be? I sure hope that Harper Lee isn't being taken advantage of again.

[Jim]

James wrote: "I just saw this news today and I'm curious to see the what book is about. The book was written before "To Kill a Mockingbird" but it's set with Scout as an adult. So what will the time frame of the..."

Those who came into contact with Harper Lee while attending her sister's funeral were shocked at her condition. Most had not seen her for years. Only close friends visit her at the assisted-living facility where she resides. Ms. Lee is now restricted to a wheel chair, legally blind, extremely hard of hearing, and suffers occasional bouts of dementia. That said; her agent and lawyer both insist that she is very exicited that the long-neglected manuscript will soon be published. The plan is to have 2 million copies distributed by July, 2015 and that Ms. Harper will be able to accept and hold the first copy off the press.

[Laura]

At the same time that I'm celebrating this happy news, it makes my heart hurt...as much as I am looking forward to receiving my copy of "Watchman" when it comes out, I'm already wary of the hype that is likely to carry on about it — that and the glut of the sour-grapes oozing negativity over something that is a beautiful thing...the publication of a book.

I do hope Nelle is able to enjoy holding a copy of "Watchman" in her hands and to say "Hello, old friend, long time, no see."