Harper Lee, the widely renowned and award winning author, will soon release a sequel to her highly commended novel "To Kill A Mockingbird," according to a press release provided by Harper Collins Publishers.
The company revealed that the new novel, which is titled "Go Set A Watchman," will be released to the public on July 14. The decision to publish the novel after more than 50 years since the unveiling of "To Kill A Mockingbird" was negotiated by the president and publisher of the company with Tonja Carter, the author's longtime lawyer.
"In the mid-1950s, I completed a novel called 'Go Set A Watchman.' It features the character known as Scout as an adult woman and I thought it a pretty decent effort. My editor, who was taken by the flashbacks to Scout's childhood, persuaded me to write a novel from the point of view of the young Scout. I was a first-time writer, so I did as I was told," Lee disclosed in the official statement.
Lee shared that she was "surprised" and "delighted" following the discovery of the novel by none other than Carter herself. "I hadn't realized it [the novel] had survived," the 88-year-old writer shared.
Prior to making the final decision of releasing the work to the public, Lee remarked that she first attempted to share the novel "with a handful of people" she had full confidence in. This effort turned out effective as it reinforced her lawyer's belief that "Go Set A Watchman" was "worthy of publication" in accordance with the verdict of these select group of people.
"I am humbled and amazed that this will now be published after all these years," the highly acclaimed author revealed.
Michael Morrison, an American author, pointed out that he has constantly wished for the release of another book from Lee. He described the upcoming book as "brilliant," as he was one of the few people given the opportunity to view the manuscript.
"I love Go Set a Watchman, and know that this masterpiece will be revered for generations to come," Morrison added.
Jonathan Burnham, the senior vice president and publisher, pronounced that this marked a "remarkable literary event." He also said that the release of "Go Set A Watchman" is an "extraordinary gift to the many readers" of the highly aclaimed "To Kill A Mockingbird."
Lee won numerous awards for "To Kill A Mockingbird" such as the Pulitzer Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
