To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird is an American fictional novel from Harper Lee. This Pulitzer winning work was her first novel published in 1960. Lee has published only two novels, the other “Go Set A Watchman” published in 2015 being a previous draft of “To Kill a Mockingbird”.

The novel is narrated by a six year old Jean Louise Finch, called Scout. The main characters are her brother, Jem or Jeremy Finch, their father Atticus Finch and Boo Radley-their neighbor; all who lives in Maycomb county. Story is loosely based on childhood experiences of the author.

The life in a small town in America is portrayed beautifully in this timeless classic. The novel revolves around a case involving a Negro, Tom Robinson who is accused of a rape case of a white woman. Atticus is a strong character in the novel who is a lawyer appearing for Tom Robinson. The life in America at the time, with its discrimination against the black is depicted in the novel.

There are many vibrant characters in this novel. Maudie Atkinson-the widow neighbor, Mrs.Dubose-the old lady who teases the children, Judge Taylor, Aunt Alexandria,  the Ewells, the sheriff Heck Tate and many others who come and go leave their footprint. Boo Radley, from the Radley Place initially a fearful character who seldom comes out of his house, later proves to be a lovely one.

The neighborhood of the Finches and the life at the time are all pictured from the eyes of a six-year old. The novel pulls out strong message against racism. Atticus Finch is a role-model character created by Harper Lee. The childhood experiences of Scout, Jem and Dill are written involving humor. This novel is one among the most recommended and widely read.