Summary

To Kill a Mockingbird was first published in 1960 and has since sold 40 million copies globally. The story starts when Scot Finch and Jem Finch, siblings, are discussing Jem’s broken elbow and are really tracing back to how all the events that culminated in this accident, were the most important events of their growing-up life. 

Atticus Finch, their father, and lawyer is fighting a black man accused of rape. While Scot, Jem, and their friend Dill are unraveling the mystery surrounding their neighbor Boo Radley.

My Review

A Mockingbird in the title is a bird that doesn’t do anything but sing a song. It does not eat gardens or nest in crops, and hence Scot learns that it is a sin to kill a Mockingbird. It is an in-depth comparison to the human race, implying that we sin when we hurt other fellow-beings who have done nothing but helped us.

This novel is a sophisticated novel with natural story-telling and complicated ideas. The characters are so real that you are bound to fall in love with them. Of course, I loved Scot. Her stubborn but independent and noble nature will touch many hearts. I loved her when she equated reading to breathing saying – 

The novel ticks all the boxes for a great read- Plot, storyline, characters, writing style, and the general theme of edge-of-the-couch thrill and controversy leading to emotional upheaval. Owing to curios questions like what happened to Boo, Did Atticus win or lose the case, I had to keep on reading. The story has elements of humor, innocent humor through Scot eyes, like when she compares the ladies of her small town to cupcakes-“Ladies bathed before noon, after their three o'clock naps, and by nightfall were like soft teacakes with frostings of sweat and sweet talcum.”

 It is also not without a social message, which is what a book’s primary purpose is. The topics covered in the novel are vast but so subtle and casually but effectively embedded in the story. For example, parenting tips too – “Children are children, but they can spot an evasion quicker than adults, and evasions simply muddle them, young rebels.” The rebellion of young kids shown by Scot and Jem. Young innocent and pure love between Scot and Dill. Talk of impurity of women and the detailed and enlightening discussion on a sensitive topic – racism. So many themes beautifully woven into a delightful and unforgettable tale, using human nature as the link.

Final Verdict

It is not my place to give a Pulitzer Prize-winning book a rating. But for my readers, I have to, and it cannot be anything other than a perfect score. I recommend Mockingbird to every reader. It must be read. Not because it won awards or sold millions of copies but because, as a human, it teaches you so many things through the mind of a child.

Who Should Read IT

Readers sensitive to racism may avoid this book. It has no sexual content or graphic violence. Do pick up this small book with a considerable impact, and you won’t regret it.

Happy Reading!