A review by zygomatic
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

challenging emotional funny reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I don't mind that an old white man hides his racism and hate of the federal government from his children, though I understand why many people would hate what is done with an iconic character from a classic novel. But often liberals are deeply racist and want change only if it doesn't inconvenience them, and conservatives are openly racist and want no change. So the characters make sense, though Atticus's perspectives as laid out on the page are pretty weak and very annoying to consider. Jean-Louise's conversations with her father and uncle are tiresome and there's not enough pushback considering the blow-up at the end of the novel, including some physical violence. I don't like these characters, but the story moves along and there are some very funny lines.

The scene about interracial marriage, and how slaveowners having children with their slaves via force was fine, but low-class whites and blacks getting together now needs laws to prevent it...the whole thought process to make up these excuses is exhausting and outrageous to follow, but fascinating to read about and hilarious because of how absurd these beliefs/conversations are.

Reese Witherspoon reads the audiobook version and does a great job.

Not a book I would want to read again. Just okay overall.