To Kill A Mockingbird

As this book is meant to be a great book a serious review is appropriate. The first part is strongly reminiscent of Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer etc and although that part was good I felt the similarity of style was good for the story but makes the book less original. As the story is told by a young girl the non dialogue narrative was not always in keeping with the age of the story teller and this increased throughout the story, jarringly so at times. The ending is good and overall a very good book but not a great one.

One of those books I always planned to read – and so very much worth the wait! Atticus Finch is a small town lawyer in the deep south of America, raising his children on his own with the help of a daily woman. Then he has a case of defending a black man against charges of raping a white girl and attitudes towards the family are noticeably altering by the day. This is that story, as seen through the eyes of two children living and thriving under the care of their father in the 1930’s. Having always heard generally about this book, but knowing no specifics I was really looking forward to finally having the time to read it. It is an enthralling tale of two happy, well adjusted children whose father encourages their education and with whom they have a very close relationship. I’m always fascinated with attitudes about race, religion and gender wondering why we can’t just treat everyone as human but then, of course, we would have missed out on some of the most fabulous fiction of our time. This novel is everything I thought it would be and so much more. I have always struggled when asked the question ‘What is your favourite novel of all time?’ but somehow I think the answer will come easily from here on in. A terrific read which easily deserves all five glowing stars and my highest recommendation.

after a re-read a few years later, I've come to realise it's more than an enchanting story. it's much, much more. it's well loved for a very good reason.