Harper Lee Announces Sequel to the Classic Novel "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Last week author Harper Lee announced that she is in the process of publishing a sequel to the classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

“Go Set a Watchman,” Lee’s sequel to the beloved “To Kill a Mockingbird,” is planning on being released in July of this year. The novel was first being written by Lee back in the 1950’s. Lee’s editor suggested that it be set aside until more time is given for her first novel.

Following the decision to set the novel aside, the manuscript was then lost and finally recovered last year. The story will be published as originally written, with no revisions.

Published July 11, 1960, “To Kill a Mockingbird” saw immediate success. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961, following a 41 week stay at the best-selling list. The novel is still being read across American classrooms and is considered a literary classic.

What made it so successful was the delivery of some dark subject matter overshadowed by the innocence of childhood.

The story takes place during the Great Depression with characters like Scout Finch who goes on adventures around her neighborhood with her brother Jem. Their father Atticus Finch is a lawyer assigned to defend Tom Robinson, a black man, who is charged with raping a young white woman.

Facing much opposition from the community, Atticus decides to defend Robinson to the best of his ability.

Challenges against racism, gender roles, and the legal system are present throughout the novel, making it a breakthrough given the time period in which it was written.

“Go Set a Watchman,” is set 20 years following the events of the first novel. The protagonist is the adult Scout Finch who visits her father in her hometown and recollects on the events of her youth.

Fans have been swarming social media to find out any and all information related to the upcoming sequel. There have even been reports of a cover finally being chosen. Some people believe that Lee was tricked into publishing the sequel.

Many reports have been suggesting that Lee was coerced into publishing the sequel by her editor. Other reports say that Lee is very happy with the amount of attention that the potential sequel is already receiving.

More information should be known within the next few weeks. Hopefully readers can get their hands on “Go Set a Watchman,” in early July.