A review by jeconn71
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

3.0

Couple things I want to note to put my review in perspective. I reread To Kill a Mockingbird immediately prior to reading this to help get me in the mood/setting for this book (still very much a classic). I understand this book had many controversies when it was released, but I didn’t dig too deep into any of them when I read this to keep my mind relatively clear of them. This all being said, while I do enjoy these characters, this book feels more like a draft than a finished product to me. I enjoyed coming back to these characters, and while parts worked for me in ways that made Mockingbird so endearing, it didn’t feel all that connected. I had less a problem with the character arcs that took place (though slight spoiler, they did Jem DIRTY), I just felt some parts were not as well earned or executed properly to their fullest potential. Part of it could be I would’ve liked a book between this and Mockingbird (there are some big jumps and character additions that felt forced or could’ve been stretched out more), but honestly this book again just lacked in really feeling a complete, polished book. I really enjoy Harper Lee’s storytelling abilities, they really draw you in and make you want to stay and listen to her characters spin yarn. Though we only had Mockingbird for so long, I’m happy to return to that because it’s so accessible and enjoyable. I appreciate where she was wanting to take these characters, it definitely doesn’t feel out of left field where they go. I just feel This book just feels a few drafts away, and is probably why we didn’t get it until we did. I’d really only recommend this books to Mockingbird fans who are curious. I don’t feel this book is essential, nor will it tarnish the legacy of the Finch’s. That all being said, their is stuff to like about this book, but I was left wanting more.