To Kill A Mockingbird: 60th (L) Paperback – Special Edition, 24 June 2010

To Kill a MockingbirdHarper LeeREVIEW."In Harper Lee's timeless classic, "To Kill a Mockingbird," the author explores the complexities of apartheid and racial discrimination in 1930s Alabama. Through the eyes of Scout Finch, the narrator, we witness the intricacies of small-town life in Maycomb County, where social hierarchies and prejudices prevail.Initially, the novel's focus on Scout's childhood adventures with her brother Jem and friend Dill may seem lighthearted, but it skillfully lays the groundwork for the more serious themes that unfold. The introduction of Tom Robinson, a wrongly accused black man, and the reclusive Boo Radley, who becomes an unlikely hero, adds depth to the narrative.Lee's writing is deliberate and nuanced, with clever use of foreshadowing and symbolism. The hand discrepancy, mentioned in the opening paragraph, becomes a pivotal piece of evidence in the trial, highlighting the importance of details. The author's choice to introduce characters through varying names, such as first names, designations, and surnames, adds complexity to the story and keeps the reader engaged.Through "To Kill a Mockingbird," Lee delivers a powerful exploration of empathy, morality, social justice, and the loss of innocence. The novel's thought-provoking themes and relatable characters make it an iconic piece of American literature. As a reader, I appreciated the author's ability to balance lighthearted moments with serious commentary, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and enlightening.Overall, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a masterful tale that has captivated readers for generations, and its exploration of human nature, prejudice, and redemption continues to resonate today."Dr.Shipra Bhattacharya.

This book has in my heart made a special place apart from anything that I have ever read. And yet it's really hard to actualize into words, why I feel so. Color prejudice was a matter of grave importance(frankly, I feel we have come a long way from those times though many a people are still enormously capable of sifting out differences among their own 'superior' races and those of others-their imprudence tells much of their intellect). And assault on women- of whatever kind it may be- calls for immediate action on part of the society as a whole and the individuals alike. Yet, the manner in which both these subjects have been dealt with presents here an uncommon blend of hues that come together and give shape to this variegated semi-chronicle. This novel appeals to the reader in so many ways. It educates you so much about child psyche and the difficulties of a parent, and more so of a single parent. The wonders and musings of children and how they have a world of their own are so vividly portrayed in this book that it makes you marvel at the writer's genius.Written in a most coherent language, the entire book seems like a walk across time where you accompany the author as she tells you about her world- her caring big brother, the idealistic father, a mother of whom she remembers naught, her various neighbors and their attitudes towards her and other such people with whom it's all too easy to identify with- over time, effortlessly imbibing all your attention even across a period spanning years.The characters in this book, though unique in themselves, bear an enormous resemblance to people whom we see in our own lives(though not exactly identical) clearly portraying the fictional story's realistic roots. The reader obviously finds them very much intriguing but it's only as you read further on that you truly understand their nature- very much like in real life, time being the surest test of the true and the false. With each page turning, the pictures become increasingly resolved and you start seeing certain characters in a brighter light. But for me, and for most readers I suppose, the one character that outshines all is the protagonist of this saga, a lawyer, a father, a friend but most importantly, a man of integrity- Atticus Finch. Bearing no apparent features that pronounce him a hero, it's the soul that Harper has inked into this character which is so immortalizing that I don't think anyone who ever reads this novel forgets this character. Atticus Finch is one of those rare people who aren't afraid to go against the current. The more you reach into the book, the more you realize that this man isn't, like most, merely a propagator of ideals but actually practices them and no matter what the circumstances, he won't back down of his morality. It is this stubbornness to maintain a clear conscience that most attracts you to this character.Supplementary to all that's said above, To Kill a Mocking Bird also brings you the joy of reading an extremely well knit novel. How everything just fell in place by the time I reached the last page will always be in my memory. And I highly recommend this book to all and most importantly to aren't that much inclined towards books or towards fiction. For there is no better place to start anything than with a near perfect specimen.