Samyann
Anyone eager to jump on the current politically correct racial bandwagon, pout about the demonizing of Atticus Finch, needs to chill and spend some time studying the history of the times reflected in Go Set a Watchman. This book was written over 60 years ago. The civil rights movement in the United States was starting to boil; lynchings still taking place, the KKK blatantly active, segregation a normal way of life. Sadly, some factions of this awful history is a culture that has passed on to subsequent generations, a right of passage that still exists.
Specific to books, however, why force the moral sensitivities of today into the literature of yesterday? Sort of like taking the ’n’ word out of Mark Twain classics, isn’t it? If we did, it would be warping part of American history. It cannot and should not be done!
Atticus Finch came from the mind of an author who was accurately portraying a man of his time and place … unique and different perspectives of the same character in two novels, first in Go Set a Watchman followed by the award winning To Kill a Mockingbird. Both books portraying complex and fascinating characters.
Remember the very beginning of TKAMB? Atticus Finch had to be convinced by a judge to take on the rape case…he didn’t want to. Ever wonder why not? Go Set a Watchman might give you food for thought into his complex mind, as it does for Scout.
With wonderfully developed fictional characters, Go Set a Watchman is a true reflection of American history, one of the most realistic portrayals of the southern mindset and culture of post American Civil War I’ve ever read. Much more realistic than To Kill a Mockingbird. I particularly enjoyed Scout’s Uncle Jack, Atticus’ brother. Well worth the credit.
Reese Witherspoon is an excellent choice, just the right touch of accent. Well produced. Enjoy!
