Devon Book Club discussion

So, Harper Lee to release a sequel - be interesting to see what reception it gets. Scout is apparently grown up in this book - which was lost for 55 years and has just come to light http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015...

I'm ashamed to say I haven't read the whole of To Kill a Mockingbird yet. Read a bit at school and saw the film of course with the wonderful Gregory Peck. It's on my TBR list. I think I need to get on and read it so I can get into the inevitable debate about how the two books sit together.

I read the book when my son had it as a set text to read at school. I really liked it. The editor was clearly right to have pointed Harper Lee in that direction, so it will be fascinating to see what the original was like.

Carol wrote: "I read the book when my son had it as a set text to read at school. I really liked it. The editor was clearly right to have pointed Harper Lee in that direction, so it will be fascinating to see wh..."

I did like the book when I read it years ago, though I think its reputation is probably born from its daring subject at that time in Amrican history. I wonder if it would make the same splash if released today.

Ian wrote: "Carol wrote: "I read the book when my son had it as a set text to read at school. I really liked it. The editor was clearly right to have pointed Harper Lee in that direction, so it will be fascina..."
Yes, that's an interesting thought, Ian. The other point to make about some books which sell a very large no. of copies, is that they're often set texts in schools. It's true of To Kill a Mocking Bird as well as Lord of the Flies and various others. This ensures that their sales really rocket,( whilst not wanting to minimise the literary value of the works.)

Carol wrote: "Ian wrote: "Carol wrote: "I read the book when my son had it as a set text to read at school. I really liked it. The editor was clearly right to have pointed Harper Lee in that direction, so it wil..."

I first read TKaM aged 15 for O Level Eng Lit and thought it was amazing. The old black & white film starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch is also brilliant. I re-read this novel a few years ago, and whilst it didn't have quite the same impact on me as an adult, I still appreciated the quality of the writing, and admired the way in which Lee dealt with the themes running throughout the story. I am looking forward to reading the newly discovered sequel sometime soon.

Yes, it's interesting, Angela, that you also read it as a set text, just as I did when it was set for my son. Really enjoyed it though, as I said before.
I noticed the other day that one of the names of Harper Lee's sister was Finch. Does anyone know if this was Harper Lee's family name? If so, it seems strange that it was chosen as the surname for Atticus.

Angela wrote: "Carol wrote: "Ian wrote: "Carol wrote: "I read the book when my son had it as a set text to read at school. I really liked it. The editor was clearly right to have pointed Harper Lee in that direct..."

Just found out that Harper Lee's mother had both Cunningham and Finch in her family name according to the online version of Cliff's Notes about this novel!

Thanks Angela. That's interesting.

Harper Lee's sequel to "To Kill A Mocking Bird" is published on 14th July. Details here

https://terrificbookreviews.wordpress...

Ian wrote: "Harper Lee's sequel to "To Kill A Mocking Bird" is published on 14th July. Details here

https://terrificbookreviews.wordpress..."

Go Set a WatchmanReally looking forward to reading this novel.I first read TKAMB at school when it was one of the set texts for O level Eng Lit, and I thought it was brilliant. I also enjoyed re-reading it just a few years ago. The old black and white film starring Gregory Peck is a faithful and atmospheric adaptation of the novel, well worth watching.

I pre-ordered a copy ofGo Set a Watchman at our event at Walter Henry's book shop in Bideford yesterday. I've also just read some really interesting articles related to this novel in this weekend's Guardian. I have, however, resisted reading, or listening to, the first chapter!

A few tit bits from yesterday's Times:
Mick Brown of the Daily Telegraph was quoted:
"There is one thing worth bearing in mind: there is a reason it was not published in the first place. It would have been kinder to Lee and the 'millions who cherish Mockingbird not to have published it at all."
Jocelyn McClurg, in USA Today, gives it 2 stars out of 4.
"Is it a great or even very good novel? No. Does it have its charms? Definitely. It's a also a time capsule of a troubled time in the South, as desegregation looms in the wake of Supreme Court rulings."

Carol wrote: "A few tit bits from yesterday's Times:
Mick Brown of the Daily Telegraph was quoted:
"There is one thing worth bearing in mind: there is a reason it was not published in the first place. It would h..."

Mixed views in the media, from those who are excited to those who fear Harper Lee has been used. Hard to know what to think, other than that it seems important that the book is published as part of the story of the author and TKAMB, even if it doesn't match the hype (what book could?)

About to start reading . It has been impossible to avoid some spoilers even though I have avoided looking at any commentaries. Interested to hear the views of other members soon!

Will be interested to know what you think of it, Angela. It's been impossible not to have preconceived ideas about it as there has been so much about it in the media. There is a sadness about the whole scenario I think as the sister clearly didn't want it published for presumably very obvious reasons. It will be a shame if it casts a shadow on her first novel (or not first, evidently!).

Carol wrote: "Will be interested to know what you think of it, Angela. It's been impossible not to have preconceived ideas about it as there has been so much about it in the media. There is a sadness about the w..."

Hi Carol - I have just completed part 1,and so far so good....

At the very least I presume it will be an interesting historical 'snapshot'of the times, but it sounds hopeful it is far more than that.

Just completed Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee - a great book for reading groups as there is plenty to talk about, especially when read together with To Kill a Mockingbird. Has anyone else read it?

Up to part 3. Was initially confused by all the names but am enjoying it now.

I am listening to Go Set a Watchman from when it was broadcast on Radio 4 a few weeks ago. It certainly starts off well, the trouble is I listen to it when I am in bed and I keep falling asleep, but that is no reflection on the story! I need to listen to it during the day.

Helen wrote: "I am listening to Go Set a Watchman from when it was broadcast on Radio 4 a few weeks ago. It certainly starts off well, the trouble is I listen to it when I am in bed and I keep fa..."
Haha. I love reading at bedtime but invariably keep dropping the book as I start to nod off

Yes, I have a few books that I have fallen asleep in the bath with.....I daren't read the kindle in there!

Helen wrote: "Yes, I have a few books that I have fallen asleep in the bath with.....I daren't read the kindle in there!"

Helen wrote: "Yes, I have a few books that I have fallen asleep in the bath with.....I daren't read the kindle in there!"
Have you previously read To Kill a Mockingbird, Helen?Looking forward to hearing what you think of Go Set a Watchman, reviews have been very mixed!

I asked in Barnes and Noble yesterday for Go Set a Watchman but was shocked to discover it was 26 dollars, so decided to wait for the paperback and bought another Bill Bryso. Instead.

Helen wrote: "Yes, I have a few books that I have fallen asleep in the bath with.....I daren't read the kindle in there!"

Haha - no, that would be risky!

Yes Angela, I have read To Kill a Mockingbird a few times, I thought it was an excellent book. Still listening to Go Set a Watchman: A Novel By Harper Lee A BookMarked' Summary and Analysis.