By Harper Lee
This is my first post in the book shelf. I was thinking on which book to start first. Out of all the books that I read, I found this book to be of unique style yet very simple. One of the best books I’ve read and it tops my favorite list. It’s a Southern classic and considered one of the best in American Fiction. It’s not that difficult to guess as many of us would have read it more than once. For people whoever have guessed it; Yes! You’re right; I’m talking about the all time favorite “To Kill a Mocking Bird”.
There are ample reviews by professionals for this book. There’s nothing much for a person like me without any experience in writing, to review about. But I personally didn’t like to leave this book out of my bookshelf. So here goes my version...
First of all, let me warn people looking for a book that’ll make them sit at the edge of the seat as they frantically flip through the pages. Sorry, this is not that kind of a book. If you like a leisurely read to sit alone relaxed, then this is the story for you and I’m one among you!
This is the only novel by the author Harper Lee, published in 1960. This book is a Bildungsroman, describing the growing up process of Scout, the charming, precocious 6-year-old narrator and her poised elder brother Jem. The striking feature that makes the book special is the innocence and down to earth narration of Scout. The author has a natural sense of humor and it flows freely throughout the novel.
The other main characters include the ‘little but old’ friend Dill, the too good to be true father Atticus, the amiable housekeeper Calpurnia and the scary Boo Radley. The book mainly focuses on racism and injustice suffered by Blacks during the sixties, but there are also other important aspects which are neatly blended into the story. The innocence of the children, the responsibilities of the parents, equality and compassion are to name a few.
The story happens in a ‘sleepy, lazy’ town (as described by our little Scout) called ‘Maycomb’ in Alabama. It vastly describes Scout, Jem and Dill’s holidays and mischief’s they play trying to bring out their elusive neighbor Boo Radley who’s always locked up in his home. Their favorite pastime is to imagine situations where Boo Radley involves in various atrocities (like stamping his father Mr. Radley’s leg with a scissor!) and to enact the scenes.
Scout is a tomboyish 6-year-old girl who seems to have a premonition that ladies are not as exciting and understanding as Men. The author’s opinions are voiced through her and at times she seems overly composed for her age. She’s the character who portrays the childhood innocence and it’s easy to fall in love with her cuteness. She’s notorious for her profane language, but the author is smart enough to make the readers too bedazzled to bother about this. Most of the town's people (including Jem sometimes) are disappointed with Scout not behaving like a 'young lady'. It feels as if Scout's holding our hands and touring the entire Maycomb when she describes the big Oak tree, Radley’s house, Post Office, Mrs. Maudie’s azaleas and many other taciturn places of Maycomb.
Scout’s school days struggling with her ‘pretty little thing’ teacher Miss Caroline and her abominable methods of teaching are interesting additions. She has a tough time coping with the town’s ladies, Aunt Alexandra and Jem, who’s visibly peeved by her infantile behavior. Every minute day-to-day activity is portrayed finely without boring the reader.
Atticus, father of Scout and Jem, a lawyer by profession is a prominent and plausible person of the town. His character vividly captures the effect of parent’s behavior on the children. He sets an example to his children by actually living his words. He’s loving, humble, honest, understanding and everything an ideal person can be. His endurance to fight injustice and compassion towards the black people are finest of all.
The ‘all angels and bones’ Calpurnia is their housekeeper and she’s a lovely motherly lady who insists on Scout’s proper behavior. She’s a very well learnt and practical black women and Atticus seems to appreciate this and preached the same equality to his children. He fights for justice for a black man named Tom Robinson who’s accused on a false charge by Mr. Bob Ewell. No words or deeds from Mr. Bob Ewell can faze Atticus. Though this character by Harper Lee seems too good to be true, it’s well worth to be cherished and followed forever.
Scout’s brother Jem is a fine gentleman like his father. From a curious child to a responsible adolescent, his growth is enticing. He, as his father, grows into a humble, honest and compassionate person. His encounter with Mrs. Dubose proves his poise. His deep sympathy and helpless vehemence on the acrimonious verdict of Tom Robinson’ case explicitly cites ‘like father, like son’
Dill, Scout’s sweetheart is a charming young little man whose innate imagination is the source for their furtive plans to bring Boo Radley out. He is a sort of caught in between Scout’s childishness and Jem’s adolescence. He’s a unique adventurous character who longs for true love and as Jem he’s also helpless and sympathetic on the prejudice towards black people.
The other characters which are unimportant but add strength to the novel's backbone are Mrs. Maudie, Uncle John, innocuous Mr. Dolphus Raymond and Mr. Heck Tate. The vicious Ewells and their livid plans to libel Tom Robinson and Atticus are fit enough for a thriller.
It’s very tempting to write more, but I don’t want to end up writing the entire story. I think I’ve given enough idea about the story line. Do read the novel to know what happened to the evasive Boo Radley, pathetic Tom Robinson and obstreperous Bob Ewell.
Harper Lee profoundly succeeded in making this a fascinating classic of all time. The story and the characters linger soothingly in our minds long after the story is finished. There’s no doubt that the characters like Scout, Atticus, Jim, Cal and Dill remain embalmed in our lives for days to come.
