To Kill A Mockingbird: 60th (L)

To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee REVIEW. "In Harper Lee's timeless classic, "To Kill a Mockingbird," the author explores the complexities of apartheid and racial discrimination in 1930s Alabama. Through the eyes of Scout Finch, the narrator, we witness the intricacies of small-town life in Maycomb County, where social hierarchies and prejudices prevail. Initially, the novel's focus on Scout's childhood adventures with her brother Jem and friend Dill may seem lighthearted, but it skillfully lays the groundwork for the more serious themes that unfold. The introduction of Tom Robinson, a wrongly accused black man, and the reclusive Boo Radley, who becomes an unlikely hero, adds depth to the narrative. Lee's writing is deliberate and nuanced, with clever use of foreshadowing and symbolism. The hand discrepancy, mentioned in the opening paragraph, becomes a pivotal piece of evidence in the trial, highlighting the importance of details. The author's choice to introduce characters through varying names, such as first names, designations, and surnames, adds complexity to the story and keeps the reader engaged. Through "To Kill a Mockingbird," Lee delivers a powerful exploration of empathy, morality, social justice, and the loss of innocence. The novel's thought-provoking themes and relatable characters make it an iconic piece of American literature. As a reader, I appreciated the author's ability to balance lighthearted moments with serious commentary, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and enlightening. Overall, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a masterful tale that has captivated readers for generations, and its exploration of human nature, prejudice, and redemption continues to resonate today." Dr.Shipra Bhattacharya.

This book has in my heart made a special place apart from anything that I have ever read. And yet it's really hard to actualize into words, why I feel so. Color prejudice was a matter of grave importance(frankly, I feel we have come a long way from those times though many a people are still enormously capable of sifting out differences among their own 'superior' races and those of others-their imprudence tells much of their intellect). And assault on women- of whatever kind it may be- calls for immediate action on part of the society as a whole and the individuals alike. Yet, the manner in which both these subjects have been dealt with presents here an uncommon blend of hues that come together and give shape to this variegated semi-chronicle. This novel appeals to the reader in so many ways. It educates you so much about child psyche and the difficulties of a parent, and more so of a single parent. The wonders and musings of children and how they have a world of their own are so vividly portrayed in this book that it makes you marvel at the writer's genius. Written in a most coherent language, the entire book seems like a walk across time where you accompany the author as she tells you about her world- her caring big brother, the idealistic father, a mother of whom she remembers naught, her various neighbors and their attitudes towards her and other such people with whom it's all too easy to identify with- over time, effortlessly imbibing all your attention even across a period spanning years. The characters in this book, though unique in themselves, bear an enormous resemblance to people whom we see in our own lives(though not exactly identical) clearly portraying the fictional story's realistic roots. The reader obviously finds them very much intriguing but it's only as you read further on that you truly understand their nature- very much like in real life, time being the surest test of the true and the false. With each page turning, the pictures become increasingly resolved and you start seeing certain characters in a brighter light. But for me, and for most readers I suppose, the one character that outshines all is the protagonist of this saga, a lawyer, a father, a friend but most importantly, a man of integrity- Atticus Finch. Bearing no apparent features that pronounce him a hero, it's the soul that Harper has inked into this character which is so immortalizing that I don't think anyone who ever reads this novel forgets this character. Atticus Finch is one of those rare people who aren't afraid to go against the current. The more you reach into the book, the more you realize that this man isn't, like most, merely a propagator of ideals but actually practices them and no matter what the circumstances, he won't back down of his morality. It is this stubbornness to maintain a clear conscience that most attracts you to this character. Supplementary to all that's said above, To Kill a Mocking Bird also brings you the joy of reading an extremely well knit novel. How everything just fell in place by the time I reached the last page will always be in my memory. And I highly recommend this book to all and most importantly to aren't that much inclined towards books or towards fiction. For there is no better place to start anything than with a near perfect specimen.

I don’t think that anyone in the book community doesn’t know about this book. This is a classic – a must read classic which everyone is supposed to read. I mean that’s the point of including it in the list of must read classics in a lifetime. I couldn’t agree more. This is an epic tale of family love, racism before world war and the existential circumstances way back then. I know this is one of the favourite books of most of the people and I can understand the reasons, but for me, it was not a perfect 5-star read. I had some issues with this book which explains a star less rating. I was amazed by the character building of the writer. All the characters were great and well created. Every character was portrayed with detailed characteristics, even the neighbours. Scout was a very brave and curious girl. Her character represents a strong woman, though she was 6-9 years old. She not only loved and respected her father but also did the same for her brother Jem. Jem was a strong boy too. he wanted to take care of his father, to understand him well. He took care of Scout as his father would take. He often became furious when anyone said anything about his father. Atticus was an ideal father. he was a father that children would wish to have. Both of his children loved him very much and so did he. Atticus was an honest man, a man of his words. The whole story was believable. The writing was simple but somewhat was like old American English. It was easy to understand but there were some words which were unfamiliar to me. The writing is remarkable if we speak of the author. The flow of the story was perfectly set. It was a little bit slow at the starting. Apart from family love, this story was highly about the racism issue which was at its peak at that time in America. Sometimes, it was hard for me to believe that the story was being told from a PoV of a six years old. There were various introductions of the neighbours that I felt were totally unnecessary. I actually lost my concentration at many points while reading this extra details. Though it was good to know the lives of neighbours in the county, the details of every one of them were not at all helping to the story. "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." Though I did have some issues with this book, it doesn’t mean that I didn’t like it. I really did. In fact, this is such a book that is a must read not just for adults but for children too. One can learn many things from this story like the value of family, the value of truth, difference between right and wrong etc. It gives a very good insight of living in that era like thinking of the people, how girls were supposed to dress, how they were supposed to talk etc. This book teaches you the value of friendship and to be stronger and helpful, and also tells you the importance of family bond. This is definitely worth reading at least once. I am really glad that I finally read it.

Woah, woww, what a remarkable read!! Completely in awe of the characters, story setting, way it is structured, blatant truths so delicately laid out in simple innocence, do take you back to your school library books and what a journey I must say with so many life long lessons- a wholesome read for all the readers!! Humor too, did I tell you about that? Thankyou Harper Lee, you made my day and continue leaving a mark in every reader's life through your commendable work!!

Can't appreciate this book enough, it's that good, no doubt why it is considered as on the most important book in contemporary times.

Great book

I don't consider myself worthy of reviewing a classic such as this, but would definitely like to share my rendezvous with this book. I started slow and it took a while for me to get into the mindset of 8 year old Scout, from whose point of view the story is narrated. Also, I had to considerably slow down my mental metabolism to tune in with the slow paced uneventful lifestyle of the folks in Maycomb, a small town in Alabama in the 1930s. But somewhere, somehow, without me realising, the story enveloped me in its warmth -- like a cozy blanket on a cold winter night! The childhood nostalgia, the endearing innocence, the much cherished simple pleasures of mundane everyday life and the integrity of the characters in the face of adversity -- it all started to come alive and feel very special! Atticus Finch, a lawyer and a single father is raising his two kids -- 12 year old Jimmy and 8 year old Jean Louise (Scout) -- in Maycomb, Alabama, in the 1930s. A series of events unfold and the deep-rooted racist prejudice of the society is brought to the forefront when Atticus decides to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white girl. The story is narrated from the kids' point of view -- the highlight being the kind of role model their father Atticus is to them, his integrity, the words loaded with wisdom he shares with the kids from time to time, and the values he inculcates in them. The beautifully crafted characters will stay with you forever! Memorable Quotes... "Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember, it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." "I don't know how, but they did it. They've done it before and they did it tonight and they'll do it again and when they do it -- seems like only children weep." "Sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whiskey bottle in the hand of (another)..." "As you grow older, you'll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don't you forget it -- whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash." "I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks."

The print of the book is too small, difficult to read even with my glasses on !