Just read GO SET A WATCHMAN. Along with millions of other people, I wanted to see what the grown-up Scout and Atticus thought about the new South in the 60s. With THE HELP still fresh in our minds, and my love of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, I was prepared to like the book.
I did…and I didn’t. There were passages of brilliance and beauty, where Harper Lee’s talent shone through, but the
y were mired in long passages of bad writing. I’m not saying I could have done better – I’m
not in her league, but a good editor should have reminded her of the first commandment of writing: SHOW, DON’T TELL.
Instead of discovering her thoughts and feelings through dialogue and action, in large chunks of the book, the reader has to wade through rushed and lengthy (yes, they can co-exist) passages of characters explaining themselves to her, and her trying on various opinions and judgements – in dizzying speed. It’s like Harper Lee decided to wrap up the book quickly at the end so she could go do something else.
The rationalizations and variety of opinions expressed are fascinating – but I would have preferred to discover them myself.
A self-admitted book addict, Valerie was the kid with the flashlight under her pillow. A life of travel with exposure to many different cultures led to a pervasive interest in people, with degrees & teaching credentials in Cultural Anthropology & English.