Go Set a Watchman facts for kids
| Author | Harper Lee |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Published | July 14, 2015 |
| Preceded by | To Kill a Mockingbird |
Go Set a Watchman is a novel by Harper Lee. It was published on July 14, 2015. The book was released by HarperCollins in the United States. Heinemann published it in the United Kingdom.
This book is like a follow-up to Lee's famous novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. However, Go Set a Watchman was actually written before To Kill a Mockingbird was published. It gives readers a new look at characters they already know.
Contents
About Go Set a Watchman
Go Set a Watchman tells the story of Jean Louise Finch. She is also known as Scout. The story takes place about 20 years after To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout is now an adult living in New York City. She returns to her childhood home of Maycomb, Alabama.
When she gets home, Scout finds that her father, Atticus Finch, has changed. He holds different views than she remembers. This discovery makes her question everything she thought she knew. The book explores themes of growing up and understanding the world. It also looks at how people's beliefs can change.
How the Book Was Found
The manuscript for Go Set a Watchman was discovered in 2014. It was found by Harper Lee's lawyer. The manuscript was with other papers in a safe deposit box. People thought it was a lost work by the famous author.
The book's discovery was a big surprise. It created a lot of excitement in the literary world. Many readers were eager to read a new book by Harper Lee.
Connection to To Kill a Mockingbird
Go Set a Watchman is often called a "sequel." But it's important to know it was written first. Harper Lee wrote Watchman in the mid-1950s. Her editor suggested she focus on Scout's childhood. This led to the creation of To Kill a Mockingbird.
So, Go Set a Watchman can be seen as an early version. It shows the beginnings of the characters and setting. It gives a deeper look into the world Lee created. The book helps us understand her writing process. It also shows how her ideas developed over time.
Characters and Setting
The main characters in Go Set a Watchman are familiar. They are Jean Louise Finch (Scout) and Atticus Finch. The story is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama. This is the same town from To Kill a Mockingbird.
However, the characters are older in Watchman. Scout is an adult. Atticus is also older. Their relationships have changed. The book shows a different side of Atticus. This can be surprising for readers who love his character in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Why This Book is Important
Go Set a Watchman is important for several reasons. It offers a new perspective on beloved characters. It also gives insight into Harper Lee's writing journey. The book shows how a story can evolve.
It encourages readers to think about complex issues. These include family relationships and personal beliefs. The book sparked many discussions when it was published. It made people think about how we view heroes. It also explored how society changes over time.
