irishdrew83's review against another edition
3.0
What can I, or anyone else, write about this novel that isn’t already written? The novels champions and critics alike have voiced their opinions on the various “themes” presented within the pages. Life in the South. Race relations. Social classes. Courage. Compassion for others. Gender roles. The law. The ever popular loss of innocence. All the things that academics discuss and bicker about to show they are true intellectuals. Then there’s Atticus Finch and his character’s impact on the legal profession. I could drone on about one or all these subjects, but I won’t. All the things I listed are lost, forgotten, and not given the slightest glance if not for the story told. I’ve said it, written it, and thought it with each reading, viewing, or hearing. The meaningless academic intellectual scrutiny is all secondary. The main component, the most important aspect is the story at hand. Without it everything else is meaningless and often is anyway. Let’s leave the pretentious line of thinking at the door shall we? I’m not an English professor, sociologist, or lawyer. I’m a writer. My main interest, only interest, is the story...
To read the rest of this review go to https://drewmartinwrites.wordpress.com/2016/04/01/to-kill-a-mockingbird-1960-review/
To read the rest of this review go to https://drewmartinwrites.wordpress.com/2016/04/01/to-kill-a-mockingbird-1960-review/
laurenjpegler's review against another edition
1.0
I tried, and failed, to read To Kill a Mockingbird a few years ago. Despite the backdrop of the story being something utterly interesting, the narrative didn't pull me in. Unfortunately, it still didn't roughly six years later.
Through the young eyes of Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores 'the irrationality of adult attitudes to race and class in the Deep South of the 1930s' when Atticus, their father, defends a black man charged with the rape of a white girl. 'The conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence and hypocrisy is pricked by the stamina of one man's struggle for justice. But the weight of history will only tolerate so much'.
I think I've managed to whittle it down to the fact that I just don't like American classics all that much. I'm not sure, however, what it is about them I don't like. The spatial setting, the writing style, the lists goes on. I think with To Kill a Mockingbird it was the latter. The narrative didn't draw me in, and I found myself getting bored quite frequently. I didn't like the way it was written at all.
I do, however, like how Lee chose to write this through the eyes of two children. Despite their age, they are incredibly wise. Unlike their elders, they do not view people by their race, age, religion, and so on. Scout and Jem were likeable characters, and I think having them as our protagonists made the story special. It was more of a sensitive approach - one that may not have worked, but somehow did.
I didn't like how the main story line (that of Tom Robinson's trail for rape) was hardly mentioned. Considering it's what the blurb focuses on, the actual trial only lasted for two chapters or so. I didn't get to meet Robinson, or hear of his crime, until about 2/3 of the way in. I felt like the surrounding material - that of Jem and Scout at school, for example - was just waffle. Tying in to this, I don't really know what Boo Radley was doing? I feel like if you took him out, the story would still be the same?
A big disappointment.
Through the young eyes of Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores 'the irrationality of adult attitudes to race and class in the Deep South of the 1930s' when Atticus, their father, defends a black man charged with the rape of a white girl. 'The conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence and hypocrisy is pricked by the stamina of one man's struggle for justice. But the weight of history will only tolerate so much'.
I think I've managed to whittle it down to the fact that I just don't like American classics all that much. I'm not sure, however, what it is about them I don't like. The spatial setting, the writing style, the lists goes on. I think with To Kill a Mockingbird it was the latter. The narrative didn't draw me in, and I found myself getting bored quite frequently. I didn't like the way it was written at all.
I do, however, like how Lee chose to write this through the eyes of two children. Despite their age, they are incredibly wise. Unlike their elders, they do not view people by their race, age, religion, and so on. Scout and Jem were likeable characters, and I think having them as our protagonists made the story special. It was more of a sensitive approach - one that may not have worked, but somehow did.
I didn't like how the main story line (that of Tom Robinson's trail for rape) was hardly mentioned. Considering it's what the blurb focuses on, the actual trial only lasted for two chapters or so. I didn't get to meet Robinson, or hear of his crime, until about 2/3 of the way in. I felt like the surrounding material - that of Jem and Scout at school, for example - was just waffle. Tying in to this, I don't really know what Boo Radley was doing? I feel like if you took him out, the story would still be the same?
A big disappointment.
tmousa3's review against another edition
5.0
There is a summary about it in my blog - https://www.tamarayousefmousa.com/
marjoleinrath's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
cnielsen14's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
flaviasantos's review against another edition
5.0
Chorei tanto que meu irmão veio reclamar que eu tava atrapalhando a webconferência dele.
noodlebrie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racism, and Racial slurs
gayusbooks's review against another edition
5.0
'Pure' - that’s the best way to describe this book. Even though it deals with a whole lot of serious topics that are relevant even today, the narration never gets preachy or negative. The events are seen through the eyes of the kids and that lends a level of innocence to the narration. What I loved most about 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is its portrayal of the relationship between characters. The kids - Jem & Scout - adores their father and looks out for each other. It is no wonder Atticus Finch is considered as the benchmark for not only the father figures in literature but also the voice of pure justice. I loved reading this book and will definitely re- read it again.
sanitakacuba's review against another edition
5.0
I remember when I first encountered this book as a teenager. An idea of reading a book that was written from a small child's point of view did not thirlled me. Somehow this feeling did not leave me for years and this masterpiece did not cut my reading list.
How wrong I was. First thing that I want to say about it - it is so exciting. Not all classic readings are. So lively and not childish at all. Harper Lee is putting the story together and making the point in an elegant manner, and the child's perspective is exactly the element that makes it great.
Often referenced as a book agains racism, it is much more - a book agains prejudice and critical note on the nature and values of society. In the same time, it is about understanding life and other people, and just becoming a better person.
How wrong I was. First thing that I want to say about it - it is so exciting. Not all classic readings are. So lively and not childish at all. Harper Lee is putting the story together and making the point in an elegant manner, and the child's perspective is exactly the element that makes it great.
Often referenced as a book agains racism, it is much more - a book agains prejudice and critical note on the nature and values of society. In the same time, it is about understanding life and other people, and just becoming a better person.