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I’ll never forget the first time I read To Kill a Mockingbird. I didn’t understand the significance at first, but when I saw and understood the reality of it, I felt like I was more conscious of the world and racial issues around me.
Following the speculations surrounding this book, I was anxious and curious to find out what ‘Go Set a Watchman’ would mean to me. Mostly, I wanted to find out how the characters I loved in To Kill a Mockingbird have evolved. Needless to say, this novel has NOT changed my opinion on the character of Atticus Finch.
When I think of Atticus, I see Gregory Peck, but I look at an honest, noble gentleman who’ll do anything to serve for justice and equality for all. Reading this novel, I still see that man with his round glasses, wearing a grey-flannel suit and smiling; the only difference is that he’s a 72-year-old crippled man.
Similar to Jean Louise, we as the reader experience the same dismay and disappointment in finding out that Atticus Finch, the great man we all love and knew, is in fact imperfect. Throughout the the novel, we feel the same sense of disbelief and dismay Jean Louise feels finding it hard as she does, to believe that everyone we’ve come to know has changed so much. We feel betrayed by their complaisance towards the Ku Klux Klan.
This book has made me see Atticus differently, as I shook my head in disbelief at some of his comments, and yet, I still feel affection for this fictional character. In ‘Mockingbird’ we saw Atticus through the eyes of a six-year-old, but now we see him through the eyes of a 26-year-old. I must say that it does give me comfort to know that, even though he doesn’t make too many mistakes and doesn’t show it – Atticus Finch has flaws just like any other human being.
Go Set a Watchman is an amazing read and literally makes you smile with every turn of the page.. The quirky and humorous voices of Jean Louise, Alexandra Finch and Dr John ‘Jack’ Finch will leave you feeling happy and nostalgic. I adored the detailed and blissful flashbacks to the good ol’ days, when Jem, Dill, Hank and Scout were still gallivanting around ‘causing havoc in the town of Maycomb and think it’s much better than To Kill a Mockingbird. But, that’s just me.
According to New York Times, a third manuscript was found and written by Harper Lee following To Kill a Mockingbird. I’ll be waiting in anticipation if the rumours are true, because I already long for the simple, nosy, humorous and controversial town of Maycomb.
As Mr. Fred said, “… You never get it out of your bones.” Whether you like it or not.
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