This is a classic book which I've never read - until now. I know nowadays it is a 'must read' GCSE School book, which I think might put students off - you know how it is, anything you 'HAVE' to read for school and analyse every chapter, it will kill this wonderful story.We certainly did not have to read this for school, well, growing up in East Germany might have something to do with it LOL! And I don't think I would have had the maturity to understand the book aged 16.
The story is set in 1930's America's deep South Alabama and is told entirely from the viewpoint of Scout Finch, a 6 year old girl. She tells us about 3 summers in her life. She lives with her brother Jem, her father Atticus and their strong-minded black housekeeper Calpurina (my fav. character I have to admit). Atticus is a lawyer, and is called to defend a black man who is accused of rape. The story is lovingly and innocently told out of Scout's eyes. Atticus and the family face a lynch mob, and at the end of the trial, despite seemingly compelling evidence of the black man's innocence, he gets found guilty. Atticus' strong-willed attitude to stand up not just against racism but also for other disadvantaged and 'different' members of the society (the mentally ill Boo) makes me think that if we only had more Atticuses in our society!
All you students out there having to read it, try to forget its a school book, just enjoy the story unfold.
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