Book Review: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Harper Lee has presented her observations about herself, her family and the surroundings around her during the 1960s. It seems that the main protagonist, Scout, is the little version of the author. A Pulitzer Prize winner, To Kill a Mockingbird, involves racial injustice in society, and the destruction of innocence too.

Scout, or, Jean Louise Finch, narrates the story from her point of view. She begins with her relationship with her brother Jem, and father, Atticus. Her curious childlike activities have given a charm to the book.

Society has also misunderstood, Boo Radley, and they consider that he's the one causing harm to people around the block. Well, he's a mystery, but in the end, he's the one to save Jem from being caught by the public and his dad.

The story took a deep turn when Atticus took up a case, that was against the norms of the society. He opts to save Tom Robinson, who's termed as Nigger by the society. Atticus is blamed that he's doing wrong by fighting the case for Tom Robinson, but it doesn't waver his decision. His way of handling his children is an example. However, in one instance, he asks Jem to change his ways, but in the next moment, he tell his son, to be the soul that he is.

Quoting some of my favourite dialogues from the book:

"You might hear some ugly talk about me, but do one thing, "hold your head high, pull your fists down"

"We're fighting for our friends. The race or colour doesn't matter."

"No matter how bitter things get, they are still our friends, and this is still our home."

This is something that every parent must teach to their children. You have to find the good in the bad. Atticus just does so throughout the story.

"Mockingbirds make music for us to enjoy. They sing their hearts to us. That is why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."

We must keep doing what we feel is right. People will always say one thing or the other about our work, instead of minding their own business.

Taking a cue from Atticus, we must do what we feel is right, because in the end only what we do matters, and people remember our acts, not our faces.