Wednesday, March 25, 2015

The Controversy behind Harper Lee's "Go Set a Watchman"

Some of you may be aware of the controversy concerning author Harper Lee's soon to be released book "Go Set a Watchman". Some are claiming that Harper Lee is not of sound mind, and is being taken advantage of. It is being said that "Go Set a Watchman" was a failure in Lee's opinion, and she never intended to have it published. "Go Set a Watchman" Is sequel to "To Kill a Mockingbird", but both Lee and her publisher were not satisfied with the results and decided to not go forward with it. Therefore "To Kill a Mockingbird" was Lee's first, and final book. A one hit wonder. Until now. I have heard many different thoughts and opinions on this discussion. Some claiming that Harper Lee is of sound mind, and is excited to go forward with this book release. And more dark ones that claim that Harper's sister, and lawyer, both protected her and her rights, and that these two people just recently passed away last year, leaving this elderly woman, who is both hard of hearing and going blind, alone and vulnerable. They claim that the vultures are preying on her.

I have mixed feelings on this, and I don't quite know what to think on the subject. In the end I will purchase, and read the book. It will sadden me if the book disappoints, but if the sequel lives up to the original, then it will become a asset to the world of literature. If the book does disappoint, I shall do my best to pretend that it does not exist, and go forward with the notion that "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a stand alone book. I don't think that people should be made to feel guilty for purchasing, and reading, this book. I do hope that Harper is on board with this however, and is both fully aware and of sound mind when it comes to the publishing of her "Go Set a Watchman". She will no longer be the one hit wonder that she has come to be known, but more books out there by a talented author is not a bad thing.

Below are some articles that I have linked to this post. The New York Times seemly is based on the author being of unsound mind, while The Huffington Post seemly is based around the author being of sound mind. Read both, and see what conclusion you come to on this controversy.

No comments:

Post a Comment