To Kill a Mockingbird (To Kill a Mockingbird #1) by Harper Lee / Books Teacup and Reviews

Publication Date: June 24th 2010 (first published July 11th 1960)

Publisher: Arrow Books Ltd

Pages: 309

Genre: Classic / Historical Fiction / Literature

Stars: 5/5

‘Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ’em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.’

A lawyer’s advice to his children as he defends the real mockingbird of Harper Lee’s classic novel – a black man charged with the rape of a white girl. Through the young eyes of Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores with exuberant humour the irrationality of adult attitudes to race and class in the Deep South of the thirties. The conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence and hypocrisy is pricked by the stamina of one man’s struggle for justice. But the weight of history will only tolerate so much.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a coming-of-age story, an anti-racist novel, a historical drama of the Great Depression and a sublime example of the Southern writing tradition.

To Kill a Mockingbird was amazing classic fiction set in 1930s, Maycomb, Alabama. It was a story about economical, racial, political, and societal issues during the era; about principles, morals, righteousness, justice; most importantly, this book is about humanity, compassion and tolerance.

There was so much to talk about in this book that I’m having difficulty putting my thoughts into words. I could see why it is a classroom book. We study regional stories in India so I never read this book in school but I wish I could have.

Scout (Jean Louise) was most adorable and my favorite character of the book. She was tomboyish, smart, fierce girl who spoke her mind. She defied everything that society said a girl should do. She was sweet little innocent child yet she had high understanding and moral compass that adults failed to have. I so wish my kid grown up like her. 😉

Jem was elder brother of Scout who followed the footstep of his father, Atticus. He held the same calmness, wisdom and principles of Atticus. He was a great brother and a son. Author portrayed his emotions and growing age perfectly in the book.

Atticus was father figure every child wish to have. I have deep respect and love for this character. It’s not easy to have firm hold on your thoughts and principles in the society this book had and still he did his job wonderfully. He taught Scout and Jem all the right things. What I loved about him most was the way he answered all the questions to his kids. He never gave false stories or avoided conversation just because topic was too serious or meant for matured adult, and most importantly he let his children be themselves against all the conservative traditional rules of society.

Dill was friend of Jem and Scout. he was the only one I had a bit difficulty in understanding. He was another word for exaggeration. He made so much story around the truth that I didn’t believed half the thing he said. But I liked him anyway. He was fun to read.

Calpurnia was African-American cook of Finch family. She was more than that, she was like a mother to Jem and Scout. I just loved her for everything she did for this family.

The writing was easy, free flowing and engaging. Characters were charm of the book. Plot setting gave the view of how studies and people are used to be in that time period. How girls expected to behave ladylike, how a small town people grows within the community and how new systems wither political or educational affects the community. It was utterly mesmerizing to read it all from an 8 yrs old character.

Scout’s perspective gave the touch of innocence and humor to the heavy subject of the book. It was amusing to read her thoughts. I smiled ear to ear whenever I read her mischiefs and when she stood up for her family.

First part introduced many characters and gave a vivid outline of Maycomb, Finch family and people of Maycomb. At first, it took time for me to adjust with whole new setting but once I got a grip, I didn’t want to put this book down. Boo Radley and scary Radley house was a mystery of the book that held me to book till the end. It gave the book a scary and mysterious element. Every time kids plot something to get Boo Radley out of the house I held my breath.

The second part of the book, the case of Tom Robinson was written skillfully that created tension in the book. Characters developed nicely in this part. It also showed readers and characters the other side of the story and that people are not always how society predicts them. Many characters were viewed wrongly in this book than they actually were and the way both Scout and Jem learned about this was remarkable. I loved that court room session. Atticus was fabulous in that scene.

I didn’t expect that sudden attack and appearance of unexpected character near the end. It was tense and engaging. I heard the next book in series, Go Set a Watchman, is not like this book but anyhow I’m going to buy it and read it soon.

Overall, it was captivating, dramatic, insightful, brilliantly written classic that recommend to all reader of all age.

Now I definitely feel like I should read more classics.