Jean Louise ("Scout") Finch is growing up in 1930s Alabama. She and her big brother, Jem, spend their days as you'd expect in a small country town—dreading school, enjoying time with their friends, avoiding difficult neighbors, and pondering life's mysteries (to include some bizarre townsfolk). Things take a hard turn when their father, Atticus, is called to defend a local black man (Tom) against rape claims. Lodged by a good-for-nothing white family, the case is clear as black and white, but Tom stands no chance due to his skin color. Scout and Jem will learn a lot about justice, hypocrisy, and the prejudice in men's souls—and how to self-forgetfully love through it all.
I am ashamed to say I had never, to my recollection, read this before. But I'm so glad I addressed that . . . this is an amazing book. Powerful messages, subtle humor, and a poignant portrait of the South (and childhood) make this a winner. The author does well to represent not only the prejudice in others but also those of the narrator and her brother . . . and Atticus Finch is a shining example of empathy, grace, and good.
Rating: A
No comments:
Post a Comment