Book Review on Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird

At a friend’s suggestion, I recently decided to revisit To Kill a Mockingbird. My last significant connection to the book was back in 2015, around the release of Go Set a Watchman. That event was highly controversial, as the manuscript was published despite Harper Lee’s earlier wishes, and the book revealed a less flattering, more historically nuanced depiction of Atticus Finch. Personally, I found Go Set a Watchman disappointing and felt it marred the legacy of Harper Lee’s classic literature—a book I had taught before but hadn’t felt inclined to reread until now.

I’m glad I did as I was captivated. It’s easy to see why To Kill a Mockingbird is considered a classic, and rereading it has only deepened my admiration. For anyone unfamiliar, the story is set in Maycomb County, Alabama, during the Great Depression. It follows the childhood of Scout Finch and her older brother, Jem, who are raised by their father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer, and occasionally, their conservative Aunt Alexandra. The novel captures key rites of passage for Scout and Jem as they navigate a world fraught with injustice and prejudice, slowly realising that the adult world isn’t as fair or simple as they once thought.

The brilliance of To Kill a Mockingbird lies in its layered themes: justice, courage, family, and the complexities of growing up. At its heart, it’s a coming-of-age story for Scout, whose tomboyish ways, fiery impulsiveness, and love of adventure often conflict with the societal expectations imposed upon her. It also tracks Jem’s transition from childhood into early adulthood. Atticus, while seemingly hands-off, is a wonderfully supportive father. He allows Scout the freedom to be herself, and his calm, steady influence shows in his unwavering belief in treating everyone with dignity. Whether it’s facing down a mad dog—a thrilling moment where we see his quiet heroism and gun skills—or defending Tom Robinson, the key story in the novel, a Black man wrongfully accused of raping Mayella Ewell, Atticus’s actions speak volumes about his character. He’s a modest man, someone we can’t help but admire.

Scout’s world is rich with memorable moments and symbolic events, each a stepping stone in her journey towards understanding human nature. The fire at Miss Maudie’s house is one such moment, demonstrating both community solidarity and the fragility of life. In this part, we smile as Jem and Scout think Atticus is too old to be useful, but it is he who is the ultimate hero in rescuing Miss Maudie’s favourite chair.

The story of Jem having to read to Mrs. Dubose, after he cut off all her chrysanthemum heads when she insulted Atticus and called him a “nigger-lover,” is one of the most poignant subplots in the book. Atticus uses this incident to teach his children values—in this case, how someone is never as straightforward as they seem. While Mrs. Dubose is undoubtedly intolerant and prejudiced, she also shows immense strength of character as she fights a morphine addiction in her final days. This complex portrayal of Mrs. Dubose illustrates the novel’s ability to depict human nature with nuance, emphasising that people can possess both flaws and courage.

And then there’s Boo Radley, the enigmatic recluse who captures the children’s imaginations. Boo becomes a figure of fascination and fear, a “monster” crafted by local legend. Scout, Jem, and their friend Dill taunt and dare each other to lure him out, only to learn by the story’s end that Boo is not the terrifying figure they imagined but someone who embodies the themes of empathy and courage.

While the trial of Tom Robinson is central to the story, the portrayal of racism in To Kill a Mockingbird also unfolds through quieter moments. These include the acts of kindness and conversations that peel back Maycomb County’s themes and characters layer by layer, painting a vivid picture of a community gripped by prejudice. Even though we know the trial’s outcome is inevitable, Atticus’s decision to defend Tom with integrity marks a pivotal moment of resistance against the racist norms of the time.

Revisiting the book after all these years, I found myself just as moved, even knowing what was to come. Harper Lee’s writing has a timeless quality. It’s simple yet profound, capturing the innocence of childhood alongside the complexities of morality and social justice. There’s a reason To Kill a Mockingbird is celebrated as a masterpiece. It’s not just a story about race or the South; it’s about humanity, about how people choose to act in the face of unfairness, and about the small acts of courage that can ripple outwards.

This is a book that will make you think, feel, and perhaps cry, no matter how many times you read it. It deserves every bit of its reputation as a classic. If you haven’t revisited Maycomb in a while, perhaps it’s time to pick it up again—you might be surprised by how much it still resonates.