to kill a mocking bird | Jen and Willa

Monroeville Alabama in the 1930s was a strange place to grow up. Nelle (pronounced Nell-ie) Harper Lee watched her father advocate for the marginalised and despised of the community: unprotected by law and segregated because of their skin.

As a young woman Nelle moved to New York. She explored various vocations before settling on writing. Gifted a years salary by dear friends, she was able to turn her mind and heart to writing, and only writing.

To Kill a Mockingbird was the magnificent result. Presented to the world it received international acclaim, first as a novel and then film.

In To Kill a Mockingbird Nelle gave a gift to the world by articulating with such simplicity and power the brutal injustice that life can bring… Her novel inspired and inspires the courage to keep fighting for justice. She wrote what she knew and what she had seen.

Now decades later, the sequel Go Set a Watchman is likely set to follow…

The sequel was her first novel, apparently too blunt for the publishers of the day. When asked to publish it following the success of To Kill a Mockingbird she refused: not interested in repeating the fame and focus of the first.

It was a different time. Her heart was only in her craft.

Controversy abounds with rumours of the found manuscript and release. Yet the sequel is her first work. It is significant. It is likely to be another gift; Another timeless tale of the struggle for justice where injustice is relentless.

Here’s hoping that Nelle can hide away…Here’s hoping that she can enjoy the coming years with dignity and enjoy her life in peace. Here’s hoping that she knows that she is an international treasure: and she has changed us all through her craft.

Much love and heartfelt thanks to you, Nelle Harper Lee.

Since writing this snippet, Nelle Harper Lees lawyers have released a statement from her that “I’m alive and kicking and happy as hell with the reactions to Watchman!”.

Glad to hear it!