It’s said that everyone has a novel in them: Harper Lee’s was ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. Frankly most of us would gladly settle for penning just one book if it could be as powerful as this! Published in 1960, it was awarded the prestigious Pulitzer prize the following year.

The setting is Maycomb, a fictitious place in Alabama. Scout Finch narrates, recalling the summer of 1933 through to Halloween 1935. She and her brother, Jem, gradually gain a deeper understanding of society when their lawyer father, Atticus, defends a black man falsely accused of raping a white girl. The children witness the racial prejudice and bigotry rife in their community.

Jem and Scout also become obsessed with their enigmatic neighbour, Boo Radley, inventing an ongoing game in which they try to lure him from his house. Throughout the novel the mockingbird is used as a symbol for innocent people, and Atticus impresses upon the children: ‘You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.’ With his honesty, bravery and integrity, Atticus sets a fine example. As he explains to Jem and Scout: ‘I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun.’

The memorable 1962 film version starred Gregory Peck as Atticus, and genuinely did justice to the stunning text that inspired it. I have read ‘Mockingbird’ many times – always tearfully! If you haven’t tried it before, I urge you to join us this month in the Book Forum.