I remember when I was a freshman in high school, reading "To Kill a Mockingbird" for my English class. What I thought would be a boring required reading turned out to be a masterpiece. "To Kill a Mockingbird" was, and still is, one of the best novels I have ever read. It tackled race issues in a raw, compelling and emotional way. It made a bold statement about society's lack of acceptance and it left a strong impact. So when I heard that Harper Lee had published another book that would build on the "To Kill a Mockingbird" story, I was thrilled. Lee's new novel "Go Set A Watchman" may just start another literary revolution.
Lee's new novel still focuses on racial issues and the race divide, but it is set in a later time period than the 1st novel. "Go Set A Watchman" is, yet again, from the point of view of Scout (now in her late twenties) who has returned to her childhood Alabama home to visit her father Atticus. Atticus, who was the hero fighting against racial injustice in "To Kill A Mockingbird," has devolved into a bitter, quite racist, old man. The hero has become the villain.
The novel delves further into society's racial prejudice, as readers struggle to understand why Atticus has changed his perspective on African-Americans. Readers will look at society's beliefs on race through Scout's lens yet again. They will be challenged to create their own opinions through the opinions of all of the characters in the novel, and they will try to determine the line between right and wrong. I think it will be a tough, but insightful novel. It's just what America needs.
The timing for this release couldn't have been better. There have been so many race issues surfacing in the media as of late. From the South Carolina church shooting, to the mysterious death of Sandra Bland, to the Baltimore riots, race issues haven't been in the spotlight this much since the Civil Rights Era itself. "Go Set A Watchman" is right in the crossfire. The themes of this novel are so relevant right now.
Racial discrimination and injustice is still very real in today's society. We're seeing it everywhere in the media. We have not yet won the fight towards Civil Rights, and our society is not having the right conversations. We aren't discussing what racism is and what it looks like in today's world. We are, instead, wasting time arguing over the Confederate Flag. We're missing the point entirely. Racism isn't within a flag; it's within people's minds. That is what we need to change.
My hope is that this book will give those Americans who are still in denial a new perspective. I hope it will re-frame conversations about race and prejudice. I hope it makes a strong impact, just as it's predecessor did. Harper Lee may bring America the wakeup call it desperately needs. I can't wait to read the novel, and can't wait to see what it does for today's society.
Thank you, Harper Lee. You're changing lives once again.
