If I were to use one phrase to describe Harper Lee's Go Set A Watchman it would be "growing pains." This sequel is set during the 26th year in the life of To Kill A Mockingbird's beloved Jean Louise Finch. She is all grown up now, living life away from Maycomb.
Harper Lee's writing style does not deviate much, if at all, from her original work in To Kill A Mockingbird. I would also mention that this is truly a sequel- meaning, you will want to have read the original before picking up these pages. And if you haven't read To Kill A Mockingbird, the next few paragraphs might not make much sense.
From page 1 you feel yourself fall right back into the slow paced, one stop, quintessential, southern town that is Maycomb. While the town is the same, however, you immediately feel that the people are not. Beginning with Jean Louise. I don't want to give too much of the novel away, but I will say that Lee ventures back over the last 20 years of Scout's life that we have missed and recreates who you imagined her to grow up to be. She seems hardened and unlike what we (or at least I) envisioned. But like I said, growing pains.
When I set out to read this work I was afraid that it would take away pieces of To Kill A Mockingbird from me. I didn't want to ruin the love I had for the classic, and I have to be honest, until about 3/4 of the way through Go Set A Watchman, my fears were coming true. The last quarter, though, sweeps you back to right where you want to be with Atticus and Scout and you remember why you loved their younger selves.
Speaking of Atticus, he is as steady as the town of Maycomb itself. Harper Lee writes, "His private character was his public character," verifying what we all knew to be true about him from day one. Another constant of the novel is the political unrest surrounding Maycomb county and the South between whites and blacks. This political unrest coupled with Atticus's consistent character, push forth Jean Louise's growing pains. She is described as "born color blind." Her color blindness is the root to all that is Go Set A Watchman.
On a scale of 1 to 5, my recommendation for Go Set A Watchman sits at 3.5. It's one of those novels you feel like you need to read because there was a lot of hype surrounding its release and because you feel as though you truly know the characters. I think you can live your life without ever reading the book, but considering Lee's writing style is simple, with a touch of humor, I'd call this one an easy read and a healthy library addition.
"For thus hath the Lord said unto me,
Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth."
-Isaiah 21:6