Review : To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Title : To Kill a Mockingbird Author : Harper Lee Reading Dates : 23 Apr - 27 Apr 2011
From Amazon :
"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 rich humor and unswerving honesty the irrationality of adult attitudes toward race and class in the Deep South of the 1930s. The conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence, and hypocrisy is pricked by the stamina and quiet heroism of one man's struggle for justice—but the weight of history will only tolerate so much. One of the best-loved classics of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has earned many dis-tinctions since its original publication in 1960. It has won the Pulitzer Prize, been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than forty million copies worldwide, and been made into an enormously popular movie. It was also named the best novel of the twentieth century by librarians across the country (Library Journal).

Book Review of To Kill a Mockingbird.
I must admit I picked this one up with some trepidation. I’ve found that there are plenty of times where I just can’t seem to love much less enjoy a “beloved classic”. Thankfully, To Kill a Mockingbird isn’t one of these.

What I loved best about this one was the way the story is told from Scout’s viewpoint. While there wasn’t any flash or excitement, I never once felt bored by the tale. Scout’s voice is a compelling one, all the more so when she doesn’t understand the events surrounding her. Her questions on why adults can behave in a certain way gives clarity to the situation at times. More than that, it turns what could have been a rather tragic tale into a hopeful one.

The other part which I enjoyed was Scout and Jem’s fascination with Boo Radley. Reading between the lines from book reviews and summaries, I felt I had an idea on what goes on in the tale. Yet, the story still managed to spring me a surprise at the end.

This is a book that I would definitely re-read but only when I have the time to savour and think on it.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Definitely.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series if there were one? Yes.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes, this one is a keeper.
• Who would I recommend this too? Everyone.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it. This one's a keeper.

Read another review on the book by :

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• Book Journey

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Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, New Author Challenge, The Classics 2011 Reading Challenge