Tuesday, March 10, 2015

The Mockingbird Next Door by Marja Mills


The premise of the book appears to clash with Harper Lee's behavior of the last four decades.  The premise of a journalist moving in next door and becoming part of Lee's group of friends is unlikely.  This is the appeal of The Mockingbird Next Door.

  • The narrative moves along quickly.
  • Mills focuses on relationships between Lee, her sister, and community members.  The focus is not on a chronology of Lee's life.
  • It is unclear how much Lee withheld from publication.  The author is upfront that Lee controlled what was "on the record."
  • In a society where mundane daily activities of celebrities are broadcast to the world, Lee's life is unique.
  • Fun facts: 
    • Lee preferred communication through fax because she didn't like technology and was hard of hearing.
    • Lee did not own a washing machine or dryer.  She used a nearby laundromat.

No comments:

Post a Comment