Community Chat

[ms traditional]

Harper Lee did not want this published for many years - so one does wonder what happened. since she has memory issues and other age maladies which have caused her to leave NY after so many years, i worry. "TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD" is a classic, so it is a tough act to follow. I read that the new book was the first manuscript - but Lee's editor felt the perspective should be a young child and the re-write gave birth to Lee's classic.

[mstyrion 1]

On 2/3/2015 Apple Head said:

I'm so excited too. "To Kill a Mockingbird" was one of my favorite books and Atticus Finch my favorite character in literature.

In the times we are living, the message in "Mockingbird" still resonates.

I don't see Clint Eastwood as the elder Atticus. I do see Redford. Atticus was a gentle soul, a man of integrity, somewhat shy. I think Redford has that character in him and would relish playing a man of principle who believes in equal justice for all people.

I hope this book release will make "To Kill a Mockingbird" a book that schools will once again make students read and explore its messages and lessons.

I bet it makes Oprah's book club list.

I agree, Apple Head.

I don't see Eastwood as Atticus either. His gravelly, kind of slurry speech is not at all right for the part. Redford would be perfect.

I hope the release of this new book is in keeping with Harper Lee's wishes. How exciting to read something new from her!

[Baylie]

I loved To Kill A Mockingbird and recently read it again. I just pre-ordered her new book on Kindle. Looking forward to it!

[adelle38]

I really don't think it was ever Miss Lee's wish that this be published. Here's another article discussing the issue of exploitation.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/04/harper-lee-promises-a-new-novel-or-does-she.html

[DoneTryin]

On 2/3/2015 Marp2 said:

On 2/3/2015 VCamp2748 said:

I can visualize Sissy Spacek as the adult Scout.

Improbable since Sissy Spacek is in her mid 60s and it is unlikely she could play a woman much younger; in TKAM Atticus was around 50 years old. As a note Jean Louise was 5 and Jem was 9.

Hmmm, let's see. TKAM was published in 1960; it's now 2015, 55 years later. If Jean Louise "Scout" was 5 at the time, that would make her 60 now, wouldn't it? The new book is about the adult Jean Louise. However, that's all seriously jumping the gun & assuming that a movie will be made.

[Marp2]

On 2/4/2015 VCamp2748 said:

On 2/3/2015 Marp2 said:

On 2/3/2015 VCamp2748 said:

I can visualize Sissy Spacek as the adult Scout.

Improbable since Sissy Spacek is in her mid 60s and it is unlikely she could play a woman much younger; in TKAM Atticus was around 50 years old. As a note Jean Louise was 5 and Jem was 9.

Hmmm, let's see. TKAM was published in 1960; it's now 2015, 55 years later. If Jean Louise "Scout" was 5 at the time, that would make her 60 now, wouldn't it? The new book is about the adult Jean Louise. However, that's all seriously jumping the gun & assuming that a movie will be made.

Yes, we are jumping the gun. Just my opinion but I don't picture the book being centered on a 60 year old woman. Don't forget this book was written before TKAM and my thoughts are Scout would be in her mid 20s to mid 30s when she returned home.

If Scout were being portrayed as 60 +/- there really aren't many actors that would be able to play Atticus at 100 +/-, at least not without spending hours in makeup.

[RainCityGirl]

What I have never understood is why Harper Lee never wrote another novel after the astounding TKAM. There were many rumors, most which didn't make a lot of sense, as to whether she really wrote it. Some say it was really written by Truman Capote, who was the inspiration for the Dill character. But why wouldn't Truman have just put his own name on it? It's a puzzler. I'll give this new one a try, though. TKAM is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read.

[DoneTryin]

On 2/4/2015 RainCityGirl said:

What I have never understood is why Harper Lee never wrote another novel after the astounding TKAM. There were many rumors, most which didn't make a lot of sense, as to whether she really wrote it. Some say it was really written by Truman Capote, who was the inspiration for the Dill character. But why wouldn't Truman have just put his own name on it? It's a puzzler. I'll give this new one a try, though. TKAM is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read.

Capote was too egotistical to have written it & let Ms. Lee take all the credit & awards. Additionally, from what I've read about it, their friendship was never the same again after she won the Pulitzer in 1961. He was supposedly very jealous over that.

[Marianne1]

TKAM was set in the years 1933-35, this new book is set in the 50's (20 years later). Scout was 6-9 in TKAM and she will be 26-29 (isn) in the new book.

I think.

I read.

[DoneTryin]

On 2/4/2015 Complicated said:

TKAM was set in the years 1933-35, this new book is set in the 50's (20 years later). Scout was 6-9 in TKAM and she will be 26-29 (isn) in the new book.

I think.

I read.

And we're so happy for that