Book Review: To Kill a Mockingbird
Author – Harper Lee
This book was published in 1960 and won the 1961 Pulitzer Prize. As soon as you delve into the story, you realize that it is not just a fictional story; It’s much more than that. In fact, it is a kind of semi-autobiography. It was the only Harper Lee novel published back in 1960, and yet it seems as relevant today as ever. These kinds of books never go out of age. In reality, it tells a simple story of racial prejudice and discrimination from a young child’s point of view. Atticus Finch is a lawyer in the small town of Maycomb, which is largely dominated by whites and where blacks are treated as second citizens (at best).
Jem and Scout are the little boys through whose eyes the story unfolds. Atticus is a single father raising 2 children. He is highly respected in the city until he takes the case of defending a black man accused of raping a white woman. Despite everyone being convinced of the black man’s innocence, Atticus is despised when he agrees to defend him. The attitude of the entire town changes towards Atticus; even his sister does not miss the opportunity to throw barbs at him.
Although Atticus doesn’t win the case, he knows that he at least brought about a change: a black man against a white man would have always been an open and closed case, but it is only because of his sincere efforts that the jury considers for a long time. before deciding the judgment on the case and this, Atticus, feels that it is the beginning of a change. In the hearts of all citizens, he won the case. Even blacks give him a standing ovation when he returns from court after the verdict. Despite the fact that the entire town is against him, he refuses to get bogged down and does the right thing. It is in the background of this incident that Jem and Scout learn things about their father that they never knew, and we readers also learn some important lessons in humanity and morality.
Since the story is told through Scout’s eyes, it never gets heavy on the court case or the actual crime. It is described very innocently and you are easily hooked on the simple story. But what impressed me the most was the way Atticus tries to assimilate the lesson of life in his children. There are many memorable quotes that are worth mentioning here.
“They certainly have the right to think that, and they have the right to have their opinions fully respected … but before I can live with other people, I have to live with myself. The only thing that does not meet the majority rule is conscience of a person “.
-speaked by the character Atticus
“I wanted you to see what true courage is, instead of having the idea that courage is a man with a gun in hand. It’s when you know you get licked before you start, but you start anyway and you get it without matter. what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do. “
-speaked by the character Atticus
“The only place a man should get a fair deal is in a courtroom, be it any color of the rainbow, but people have a way of bringing their resentments directly to the jury box. As you get older, you will see White men cheat on blacks every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t forget: every time a white man does that to a black man, it doesn’t matter who he is, how rich he is, or how good. Family he comes from, that white man is trash. “
-speaked by the character Atticus
“When a child asks you something, answer him, for God’s sake. But don’t make a production of that. Children are children, but they can detect avoidance faster than adults, and avoidance just confuses them.”
-speaked by the character Atticus
“Inappropriate language is a stage that all children go through, and it eventually dies when they learn that they are not attracting attention with it.”
-speaked by the character Atticus
This book explains how an event can shape your character. It can even be said that it is a study of human nature; how different people react to a situation. This book is also about awakening; waking up to a not so perfect world where not everything happens for a reason and life is not always fair. But it’s a time like this where your values and morals shape your character and set you apart from the crowd.
Despite having a strong message for readers, the book never goes into preaching mode; in fact, you look forward to the parts where Atticus gives his views on life. This book is highly recommended to everyone. Touch something deep inside of you.
The best review I found on this book was: “Someone very special, very noble has written this book.” I completely agree with that.