To Kill A Mockingbird
Harper Lee

I have been seeing this book frequently on social media and everyone recommended it. I rarely get so many recommendations for any book. To Kill A Mockingbird was published in 1960 but written in 1930. Hence it portrays the simple and peaceful American countryside small town in those days.

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The main characters of the story of Scout, a 6-7 years old girl, her brother Jem and their few years older friend, Dill. Atticus Finch is a single father. There are parallel stories running in the To Kill A Mockingbird. The subtle and deep social issues like talks about child play. Controversial issues like racism, flaws in the judicial system, biases among the masses. Simple matters like how to behave with neighbours, to be sympathetic, show empathy, forgiveness and kindness. It all blended into a very smooth flow of story line. Atticus raised Scout and Jem with the help of their house maid, Calpurnia. He put best of his abilities in raising them as their mother is no more. Atticus is a wise man with kindness amd progressive mind.

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Atticus is a lawyer by profession and believes in equal rights. He is trying to inculcate these things in his children too. In many ways he is different from the parents of that era. His upbringing is often questioned but Atticus has excellent parental advice to offer and his words surely affect the readers of To Kill A Mockingbird.

The base of To Kill A Mockingbird is racial discrimination among white and black people. Atticus takes up the case of a black man and faces backlash from his community. He is a man of principles so he chooses to defend the black to the best of his abilities. The proceedings of the case are thoroughly engaging. There is a thriller effect in that part of the book. Atticus Finch is an unconventional hero and a role model for all.

The writing style of Lee Harper is very simple yet engaging. Story flows smoothly among the twists and turns. It touches upon a variety of topics along the way. The thing I most admire his restraint and command over the reins of the story. As the narrators are children, the author doesn’t make it complicated or confusing. At the same time it’s interesting for the adult readers as well. To Kill A Mockingbird is a fascinating blend of events that offers something to the readers. I fully recommend it.

Previous review by Sidra Javed, The Hundred Years War On Palestine