By MISSY CHAPMAN
Cataloging Supervisor, Warsaw Community Public Library

Anyone who is familiar with the literary world knows there’s been a lot of controversy surrounding the publication of “Go Set a Watchman”, which has been commonly recognized as the first draft of what would become Harper Lee’s brilliant “To Kill a Mockingbird”. “Watchman”, written several years before “Mockingbird” tells the story of 26-year-old Jean Louise Finch (Scout) who makes her yearly return to Maycomb to visit her elderly father, Atticus Finch. The first part of the novel is slow-paced and wistful. It isn’t until she learns that her father is a member of the Citizen’s Council, an organization bent on preventing racial integration that the plot takes off.

“Watchman” isn’t the uplifting, charming novel that “Mockingbird” is. Instead, it’s a book about change, and how difficult it is to get people to let go of their identities and move forward into the future, even if that future is necessary and right. Some of the conversations Scout has with her father Atticus and her Uncle Jack reveal a lot about the thought process of progressive southern white men in the 1950’s. Parts of it are very hard to read, especially coming from the mouth of the beloved Atticus Finch. But it’s also a very honest portrayal of issues that are still front-and-center in American life and politics today.

The Atticus Finch in “Watchman”, although devastatingly disappointing, is definitely a lesson on the idolization of young and adult discovery of childhood heroes. It rings true that as children we deify our fathers and as we age we come to the realization that they are mere mortals.

So what’s the verdict on “Go Set a Watchman”? I always felt that Harper Lee had more to say but just never got around to it. After 55 years, she finally has her say! It is not as polished as “To Kill a Mockingbird”, but very few novels are. “Watchman” is a great companion piece to “Mockingbird”.

The words are beautifully written and well-constructed. It’s about learning to accept those who have differing views and that accepting a person for who they are does not mean agreeing with them. Hating others for their beliefs is in no way helpful to society. The issues raised here are the kinds of things people should be thinking about and talking about. I’m ecstatic this novel was published. I highly recommend it to anyone willing to be challenged.