I know, I know; everyone did it at secondary school and no one cares anymore (although they made our class read Lord of the Flies instead so that was kind of shit and unfair).
To Kill A Mockingbird should be enjoyed rather than scribbled on with highlighter pen and butchered by some daft curriculum that forces kids to learn chunks of a book they aren’t interested in reading.
The story introduces us to 1930’s Alabama through the eyes of our child narrator, Scout Finch. Living in a cosy suburb with her brother Jem and their father Atticus, Scout’s greatest fear is the mysteriously reclusive next door neighbour Boo Radley, who occupies many a rambling description and has become something of a monstrous legend in Scout’s mind. But when their father Atticus, a lawyer, is appointed to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white girl – Scout is forced to confront the very real terror of vicious racism, discrimination and a community without any scruples. When Atticus discovers that Tom’s accusers, the Ewell family, are lying – the poisonous corruption of the so-called justice system is thrust into the cold light of day. It will make your blood boil.
For me the narration of this book is what makes it enjoyable. It’s children’s literature style narration exploring very adult content; a well trodden technique, but Harper Lee was probably one of the first writers to use it to such powerful effect. I’ve read and re-read it, and by the end of the book you’ll really want to hang out with Atticus. Total lad.
WORDS TO READ NEXT 